Alexithymia and alcohol consumption: the mediating effects of drinking motives

Gillian Bruce, Cindy Curren, Lynn Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The association between alexithymia and alcohol consumption has been well documented. However, little research has investigated the mechanisms behind the association. In the present study, the relationship between alexithymia, drinking motives and alcohol consumption was examined in a group of social (non-problem) drinkers. In a cross-sectional study, 862 participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Drinking Motives Questionnaire, and provided alcohol consumption information. Regression analyses revealed that alexithymia predicts alcohol consumption. Formal mediation analyses demonstrated that this relationship was fully mediated by social, enhancement and coping drinking motives, and partially mediated by conformity. Drinking motives may represent one mechanism to explain the association between alexithymia and alcohol consumption.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)350-352
Number of pages3
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Mar 2012

Keywords

  • alexithymia
  • alcohol
  • drinking motives

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Alexithymia and alcohol consumption: the mediating effects of drinking motives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this