The role of anxiety sensitivity and drinking motives in predicting alcohol use: A critical review

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a cognitive, individual difference variable that refers to the fear of arousal-related bodily sensations. Persons with high AS fear these sensations because they believe the sensations are signs of impending catastrophic events. AS has been linked to increased alcohol consumption and also risky drinking motives, including coping and conformity motives. This paper summarizes statistical modeling studies and experimental research on the functional relationships between AS and drinking motives and alcohol consumption. AS functions as a risk factor that sets the stage for negative reinforcement by alcohol use. Whether alcohol use becomes a method of coping with AS depends on multiple risk factors and motivations. We propose an integrated model to account for the observed relationships and to guide future research. In addition, we identify key methodological limitations and directions for future research.

Research Highlights►Evidence for a relationship between anxiety sensitivity and alcohol use. ►Strong support for a relationship between anxiety sensitivity and drinking motives. ►Gender is a likely moderator of these relationships. ►Proposed path model can provide a guide for future research on anxiety sensitivity.