Problematic Drinking Mediates the Association Between Urgency and Intimate Partner Aggression During Acute Intoxication.

BACKGROUND

This study tested a moderated-mediation model whereby dimensions of impulsivity (i.e., negative urgency, positive urgency, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance) differentially predict perpetration of physical intimate partner aggression (IPA) through problematic drinking in intoxicated and nonintoxicated heavy drinkers.

METHODS

Participants were 249 heavy drinkers (148 men and 101 women) with a recent history of psychological and/or physical IPA perpetration toward their current partner recruited from 2 metropolitan U.S. cities. Participants completed questionnaires that assessed impulsivity and problematic drinking, consumed an Alcohol or No-Alcohol Control beverage, and completed a shock-based aggression task in which they were ostensibly provoked by their intimate partner.

RESULTS

Results indicated an indirect effect of urgency on IPA through problematic drinking that was significantly more positive in intoxicated individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings implicate a tendency to act rashly in response to emotions as the specific dimension of impulsivity associated with problematic drinking, which in turn exacerbates risk for IPA perpetration. Results also suggest acute effects of alcohol are key in facilitating this mechanism.