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Unraveling The Relationships Between Ptsd And Alcohol Use Among College Students: A Multi-Method Examination
Montgomery, Zannie L.
Montgomery, Zannie L.
Abstract
The present studies examined the relationships between PTSD, autobiographical memory, attitudes toward self (ATS), alcohol quantity, and negative alcohol consequences. Prior research has indicated that attitudes ATS may not only be linked to the development of PTSD symptoms (Brewin et al., 2000) but also increased use (Annis, 1982) and alcohol consequences. Regarding autobiographical memory, research has indicated that autobiographical memories may lead to increased alcohol use as well (Jaffe et al., 2019). In Study 1 participants were college students (N = 4,635, 87.8% female) recruited from Psychology Department participant pools (SONA) at six universities across five U.S. states and the District of Columbia to participate in an online survey on substance use behaviors lasting approximately one hour. Results for Study 1 indicated that high standards (a component of ATS) uniquely significantly mediated the association between PTSD and alcohol quantity, such that higher PTSD symptoms were associated with higher standards, which in turn was associated with less alcohol quantity. Regarding negative alcohol consequences, our results found that overgeneralization (a component of ATS) uniquely mediated the relationship between PTSD and alcohol consequences, such the greater endorsement of PTSD symptoms was associated with more overgeneralization, which in turn was associated more negative alcohol related consequences. Within our moderation model focused on autobiographical memory, autobiographical memory nor its interaction with PTSD were significantly associated with alcohol consequences or quantity. In Study 2, we sought to further examine the associations between PTSD, autobiographical memory, and ATS by utilizing a mindfulness induction amongst a localized sample of participants to decrease alcohol craving. We found no significant experimental effects on ATS and autobiographical memory components. However, there was a significant interaction observed in subjective alcohol craving, such that individuals randomized to the mindfulness condition reported greater reduced craving for alcohol compared to those in the control condition. This significant finding was held even when accounting for probable PTSD. Conclusions. Study 1 revealed that ATS, specifically high standards and overgeneralization are important to consider when examining factors that mediate the relationship between individuals with PTSD and alcohol quantity and consequences. Study 2 revealed that the mindfulness induction decreases subjective alcohol craving among those randomized to the mindfulness condition. Taken together, further exploration of additional variables and measurement techniques are needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the interplay between these associations. Nonetheless, our findings offer insight into novel ways in which researchers/clinicians can enhance the effectiveness of interventions and improve outcomes for college students who may be struggling with substance use and PTSD.
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2024-01-01
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Psychology
DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.21220/s2-p1xh-1c56