Autonomous self-regulation and different motivations for alcohol use among university students

This study explored how is autonomous and controlled regulation of drinking behaviour related to alcohol use among university students. 560 university students (Mean age=21.32; SD=1.92;63.2%females) completed self-report questionnaires on alcohol use, self-regulation of drinking behaviour and motivation to alcohol use. Autonomous self-regulation of alcohol use was negatively related to alcohol use (β = −.13; p < .001) and this was partially mediated by social, coping and mood enhancement motivations (p < .001). The findings highlight the importance of the autonomy - control dimension as well as different motivations to alcohol use which might be highly relevant for alcohol use prevention among university students.