Style, consumption, and problem drinking: a measurement model.

Yu and Williford (J. Drug Issues 22:75-90, 1992) report from a structural study that drinking style is the best predictor of problem drinking. This study further examines a measurement model on drinking style, alcohol consumption, and problem drinking. Four measures are specified for drinking style, three for alcohol consumption, and two for problem drinking. The maximum-likelihood procedure through the LISREL program is used to reproduce the observed correlations by allowing correlations among systematic measurement errors. Strong associations are noted among drinking style, alcohol consumption, and problem drinking. The analysis suggests that the style of drinking should be included in research on problem drinking. Implications of the findings and future research issues are discussed.