Trait impulsivity, alcohol intake and alcohol-related aggression

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to determine the association of trait impulsivity and alcohol related aggression among university students of Pakistan. The study design was a cross-sectional with a convenient sample of 209 university students, 47 females and 162 males, age group 17-26 with a mean age of M=21.95 years [SD=2.414] was obtained. AUDIT, HADS, BIS-11, BUS, TFLB and ARAQ scales were utilized to assess aggression, alcohol intake, and impulsivity in social drinkers. This study was conducted during the time period of January'2010 till December 2011. The data was analysed using SPSS 17. Cognitive dimension of impulsivity was statistically associated with alcohol related aggression. Alinear predictive capacity of alcohol consumption with aggression was also observed. The total score on the ARAQ scale was found to be significantly correlate with most of the variables at p<0.0005 with the exception of gender at p<0.01 and age, which was not found to significantly correlate with the ARAQ score. All four ARAQ subscales significantly correlated with all of the BIS and BP subscales at p<0.05. Gender was found to significantly correlate with the ARAQ total score [N=, r = 0.134, p<0.03 [one-tailed]]. Alcohol related aggression is associated with cognitive component of impulsivity among a representative sample of university students. An immediate need to identify and treat impulsivity among individuals consuming alcohol is imperative and may help to control harmful aggression