A Longitudinal Evaluation of the Role of Alcohol Self-Concept in Alcohol Use, Motives, Negative Affect, and Alcohol-Related Problems Among Emerging Adults

Background and Objectives: Emerging adulthood is a time of identity formation, and is also the most common time period for individuals to consume alcohol. Alcohol self-concept (or drinking identity) has been associated cross-sectionally with rates of alcohol use and use-related problems. Additionally, there is preliminary evidence that alcohol self-concept is related to negative affect and to alcohol use motives. However, less research has evaluated the longitudinal nature of these variables, particularly in a community sample. The current study evaluated relationships between self-concept, alcohol-related variables, and negative affect among emerging adults. Additionally, the study explored self-concept as a mediator between motives and alcohol use and problems. Methods: Community-recruited participants (n = 226, 55.3% male) involved in a health behaviors study were assessed over the course of 12 months. Results: Results substantiated both the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between these variables. Self-concept, rates of use, and problems decreased over the course of time. Decreases in motives for alcohol use (including coping and enhancement motives) were related to subsequent decreases in alcohol self-concept, which in turn were associated with decreases in use and use-related problems. Alcohol self-concept mediated the longitudinal relationship between coping motives and use as well as use-related problems. Discussion and Conclusions: Results from this study underscore the importance of motivation for alcohol use and internalization of alcohol identity in predicting changes in behavior across emerging adulthood and suggest future avenues of research. Scientific Significance: Alcohol self-concept may be a risk factor and intervention target.