Alcohol consumption patterns: A comparison according to smoking status

Objectives: Alcohol consumption patterns in 375 undergraduates are examined and consumption across smoking status is compared. Relationships between alcohol expectancies, personality and smoking status are also explored. It was anticipated that smokers would consume more alcohol than non-smokers, and that they would differ in alcohol expectancies and personality. Finally, methodological issues concerning the measurement of alcohol consumption by questionnaire are also considered. Method & Design: Questionnaire-based. Measures: all participants completed an alcohol consumption questionnaire, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire – Revised Short Scale (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1991), the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (Arnett, 1994) and the Alcohol Effects Questionnaire (Rosenhow, in press). Smokers also completed a smoking questionnaire. Analyses: Data was analysed using ANOVA, correlation and regression. Results: The main hypotheses were supported. Smokers consumed more alcohol than nonsmokers. Ninety-one per cent of smokers also reported an increase in smoking following the consumption of alcohol. Personality differences between smokers and non-smokers were observed. Alcohol expectancies varied according to alcohol consumption, but not smoking status. Evidence for the underreporting of alcohol consumption was also observed in some of the measures used. Conclusions: The importance of examining multiple substance use is highlighted. Programmes aimed at reducing or preventing alcohol consumption and smoking may want to consider the role of personality. Finally, methodological issues raised concerning the underreporting of alcohol consumption via questionnaires must be considered in future research into alcohol consumption.

Objectives: Alcohol consumption patterns in 375 undergraduates are examined and consumption across smoking status is compared. Relationships between alcohol expectancies, personality and smoking status are also explored. It was anticipated that smokers would consume more alcohol than non-smokers, and that they would differ in alcohol expectancies and personality. Finally, methodological issues concerning the measurement of alcohol consumption by questionnaire are also considered.
Method & Design: Questionnaire-based.
Measures: all participants completed an alcohol consumption questionnaire, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire – Revised Short Scale (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1991), the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (Arnett, 1994) and the Alcohol Effects Questionnaire (Rosenhow, in press). Smokers also completed a smoking questionnaire. Analyses: Data was analysed using ANOVA, correlation and regression.
Results: The main hypotheses were supported. Smokers consumed more alcohol than nonsmokers. Ninety-one per cent of smokers also reported an increase in smoking following the consumption of alcohol. Personality differences between smokers and non-smokers were observed. Alcohol expectancies varied according to alcohol consumption, but not smoking status. Evidence for the underreporting of alcohol consumption was also observed in some of the measures used.
Conclusions: The importance of examining multiple substance use is highlighted.
Programmes aimed at reducing or preventing alcohol consumption and smoking may want to consider the role of personality. Finally, methodological issues raised concerning the underreporting of alcohol consumption via questionnaires must be considered in future research into alcohol consumption.