Social cognitive mediators of the relationship between impulsivity traits and adolescent alcohol use: Identifying unique targets for prevention.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Impulsivity impacts adolescent alcohol use. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the cognitive mechanisms outlined in two-factor models and the protective role of coping skills.

METHODS

Two cohorts of adolescents followed for three years were included in the study (younger cohort: N = 908, aged 10–12 years at Time 1; older cohort: N = 943, aged 12–15 years at Time 1). Constructs measured included impulsivity (reward drive, rash impulsiveness), positive social alcohol expectancies (PSAE), drinking-refusal self-efficacy (DRSE), problem-based coping skills, family and community risk factors, and alcohol use including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

RESULTS

Data were analysed using structural equation modelling controlling for family and community risk factors, testing mediation and moderation. Impulsivity traits predicted cognitive mechanisms and these in turn predicted alcohol use in both cohorts (χ2 = 1,139.79, df = 249, p < .001, CFI = .92, SRMR = .06, RMSEA = .04). DRSE and PSAE mediated the effects of rash impulsiveness and reward drive, respectively, on alcohol use. Problem-based coping skills moderated several pathways to drinking within each cohort, being protective even when adolescents have low DRSE, and buffering the impact of PSAE on alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study details the prospective interactive influences of impulsivity and cognitive risk factors on adolescent alcohol use. The findings have direct implications for prevention and treatment programs, providing information about possible high-impact targets for intervention.