Daily self-control demands and loss of control over drinking: The moderating role of trait impulsivity and peer exposure.

Abstract

Objective: A defining characteristic of alcohol use disorders is the loss of control over drinking. Although this loss is associated with reduced self-control, the relationship is supported by limited research conducted in real-world contexts, and existing studies have certain limitations and produce inconsistent findings. Given these gaps, our study investigated whether perceived demands on self-control could predict a subsequent loss of control over drinking (i.e., drinking more than planned) in the daily lives of young adults. Additionally, we examined whether peer exposure and negative urgency act as moderators in this relationship, and explored other aspects of trait impulsivity as moderators.

Method: We observed 496 participants (45% female, 54% White, non-Hispanic, ages 18-22; M_age = 20.3) from Thursday to Sunday across 8 weeks. Participants completed five daily surveys assessing perceived self-control demands over moods and thoughts, peer exposure, and mood. Planned and actual drinking amounts were recorded at the second survey and the next morning, respectively. Loss of control over drinking was defined as the deviation between actual and planned consumption. Baseline measurements included trait impulsivity (urgency, premeditation, and perseverance). We used a mixed-effects linear model to analyze how self-control demands impacted loss of control over drinking across individuals.

Results: Within individuals, predrinking perceived self-control demands did not predict the degree of deviation from planned alcohol consumption. Additionally, neither peer exposure nor negative urgency moderated this relationship.

Conclusions: Utilizing a substantial sample size and rigorous methodology, this study demonstrates that predrinking self-control demands over moods and thoughts do not predict drinking more than intended. Moreover, neither peer exposure nor negative urgency moderate this relationship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).