Citation

Subramani OS, Parrott DJ, Eckhardt CI. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 2017; 41(9): 1602-1611.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Purdue University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/acer.13437

PMID

28654192

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study tested a moderated-mediational model whereby dimensions of impulsivity (i.e., negative urgency, positive urgency, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance) differentially predict perpetration of physical intimate partner aggression through problematic drinking in intoxicated and non-intoxicated heavy drinkers.

METHODS: Participants were 249 heavy drinkers (148 men and 101 women) with a recent history of psychological and/or physical intimate partner aggression perpetration toward their current partner recruited from two metropolitan U.S. cities. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed impulsivity and problematic drinking, consumed an alcohol or no-alcohol control beverage, and completed a shock-based aggression task in which they were ostensibly provoked by their intimate partner RESULTS: Results indicated an indirect effect of urgency on intimate partner aggression through problematic drinking that was significantly more positive in intoxicated individuals CONCLUSIONS: These findings implicate a tendency to act rashly in response to emotions as the specific dimension of impulsivity associated with problematic drinking, which in turn exacerbates risk for intimate partner aggression perpetration.

RESULTS also suggest acute effects of alcohol are key in facilitating this mechanism. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

disinhibitory traits; domestic violence; intimate relationships; problematic drinking