Associations among impulsivity, trauma history, and alcohol misuse within a young adult sample

Abstract

Objective: Young adult alcohol misuse is associated with numerous long-term adverse outcomes. Given the link between impulsivity and alcohol use, we examined whether three impulsivity-related traits differentially predicted number of drinks per drinking day (DDD). We also examined whether these effects varied for those with different trauma histories.

Method: The current study (n=254) examined motor, non-planning, and attentional impulsivity as predictors of DDD. It also examined whether impulsivity was differentially predictive of DDD across individuals in: a control group (non-trauma exposed), a trauma exposed but non-PTSD group, and a PTSD group.

Results: Regardless of group, more motor impulsivity was associated with more DDD. The effect of non-planning impulsivity varied according to trauma history. Specifically, more non-planning impulsivity predicted more DDD for those without PTSD. Finally, attentional impulsivity was not predictive of DDD.

Conclusions: Young adults with high levels of motor impulsivity, regardless of trauma history, may be a particularly high-risk group in terms of propensity for alcohol use/misuse. Additionally, high levels of non-planning impulsivity may signify those at greater risk for alcohol misuse, among those without PTSD. Motor impulsivity and non-planning impulsivity may serve as useful intervention targets in alcohol misuse prevention efforts. Implications for future research in this area are discussed.

Keywords: Alcohol use; Impulsivity; PTSD; Trauma; Young adulthood.