Is There a Link between Personality and Exposure to Second-Hand Harms from Alcohol Consumption?

‘Second-hand harm’ from alcohol use can include accidents and/or violence, interrupted sleep, destruction of property, relationship and/or financial problems.

While previous research has found that as much as 70% of undergraduate students have experienced harms as a result of their fellow students’ drinking, a new study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research examines the extent to which personality can predict second-hand harm exposure.

Specifically, the investigation assesses impulsivity, sensation seeking, hopelessness and/or anxiety sensitivity – all personality traits associated with a greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder.

It found that the prevalence of second-hand harm from alcohol was high among the sample of Canadian undergraduates.

Moreover, the study suggests that such harms can be sub-categorised into ‘strains’ (e.g. sleep interruption), ‘threats’ (e.g. harassment) and ‘interpersonal harm’ (e.g. arguments and relationship difficulties).

68% reported experiencing ‘strains’, while 44% said that they had suffered ‘threats’, compared with 64% for ‘interpersonal harms’. Meanwhile, 35% suggested that they had experienced examples of each in the last term.

Feelings of hopelessness were most associated with falling victim to ‘threats’ and ‘interpersonal harms’.

Anxiety sensitivity was directly linked to experiencing ‘strains’, ‘threats’ and ‘interpersonal harms’, whereas sensation seeking and impulsivity were likewise, but indirectly, linked to all three categories via students’ own problem drinking habits.

The authors of the study suggest that their findings reveal that personality-targeted interventions could be an effective way to reduce the rates of second-hand harms from alcohol consumption among university students.

Click here to access the article.