The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43236

Thomas K. Greenfield, PhD, Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 2000 Hearst Ave., Suite 300, Berkeley, CA 94709-2130, (510) 642-5208, tgreenfield@arg.org and Thomas C. Harford, PhD, Consultant, Alcohol Research Group, 279 North Main St., Wolfeboro, NH 03894.

Aims This study explores the relationships between different domains of alcohol-related cognitions (expectations, reasons for drinking, and general attitudes related to alcohol) and their associations with alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence. It is hypothesized that alcohol-related cognitions will relate directly to drinking behaviors and indirectly to alcohol dependence. Methods Data for the present study were based on the 1995 National Alcohol Survey (N9) conducted for the Alcohol Research Group by Temple University. The present analysis is restricted to respondents who reported alcohol consumption at least once in the past year (822 blacks, 857 Hispanics, 1,069 whites). Results Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, separate factors within each domain were constructed and found to be comparable among white, black, and Hispanic respondents. The findings indicate that alcohol-related cognitions differentially relate to the frequency of intoxication and independently to alcohol dependence, controlling for level of intoxication. Conclusions Alcohol-related cognitions exhibit complex associations with drinking behaviors and alcohol dependence. The relationships between cognitive expectations and drinking are mediated by other cognitive elements (i.e., reasons for drinking), while the associations between attitudes and reasons for drinking and alcohol dependence are independent of drinking. Implications for research, public health and clinical practice are discussed.

Supported by Center Grant P50 AA05595 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion, participants will be able to

• Articulate the conceptual roles of alcohol expectations, reasons for drinking, and general attitudes toward drinking in affecting drinking behaviors;
• Identify these three types of cognitions and understand how each may influence alcohol consumption and problems;
• Recognize and critique the way that alcohol epidemiologists study cognitive variables' affects on drinking behavior and alcohol dependence and apply these insights in research and in public health or clinical practice.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Alcohol Problems

Related Web page: www.arg.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 295.0 kb)