Contextual- and Individual-Level Predictors of Alcohol-Related Consequence Aversiveness Ratings Among College Student Drinkers

Abstract

Aversiveness of alcohol-related consequences varies across individuals and drinking occasions and predicts subsequent drinking behavior among college students. Grounded in social learning theory, the present study extends prior work by examining both within- and between-person predictors of aversiveness over 2 years. Participants (N = 676 college drinkers) completed a baseline survey and biweekly online assessments throughout freshman and sophomore years. Hierarchical linear models revealed that, within-person, higher aversiveness ratings were associated with assessment weeks characterized by less drinking, more negative consequences, fewer positive consequences, and less positive evaluations. Between-persons, higher aversiveness ratings were associated with female gender, more weekly negative consequences, and fewer weekly drinks across the study. High school drinking behavior and peer variables were not associated with aversiveness. There was little evidence for linear change in aversiveness over freshman or sophomore year. Findings add to our understanding of the psychology of alcohol-related consequences and their subjective evaluations during emerging adulthood.