Personality and motivational correlates of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems among excessive drinking university students

ObjectivesThe study had three objectives: (1) to assess relationships between personality characteristics and alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems among university students who drink alcohol excessively; (2) to assess relationships between motivational structure and alcohol consumption and problems among students who consume excessive amounts of alcohol; and (3) to assess how personality characteristics and motivational structure are related to each other and how the two are jointly related to alcohol consumption and problems.DesignPersonality, motivational structure, alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems were assessed among 111 undergraduate students.FindingsMediation analyses showed that both maladaptive motivational structure and novelty seeking predicted participants' alcohol-related problems beyond that predicted by alcohol consumption.ConclusionFuture research should aim to reduce alcohol-related negative consequences by targeting students with a maladaptive motivational structure, while taking into account the role of personality characteristics. Screening and intervention programmes would benefit from addressing novelty seeking and maladaptive motivation.

Research Highlights
► Assesses personality characteristics and motivational structure of excessive drinking students.
► Maladaptive motivational structure predicted students’ alcohol-related problems.
► Novelty seeking personality type predicted students’ alcohol-related problems.
► Screening and intervention should target students’ motivational structure and personality characteristics.