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The role of executive function in bridging the intention-behaviour gap for binge-drinking in university students

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Authors
Mullan, Barbara
Wong, C.
Allom, Vanessa
Pack, S.
Date
2011
Type
Journal Article

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Mullan, B. and Wong, C. and Allom, V. and Pack, S. 2011. The role of executive function in bridging the intention-behaviour gap for binge-drinking in university students. Addictive Behaviors. 36: pp. 1023-1026.
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Addictive Behaviors
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NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Addictive Behaviors. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Addictive Behaviors, Vol. 36 (2011). DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.05.012

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Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption contributes to a significant proportion of disease and the high prevalence amongst young adults is a worldwide health concern. Purpose: To determine which aspects of executive function (EF) distinguish binge-drinkers from non binge-drinkers and to establish the role of EF in predicting behaviour. Methods: Self-report questionnaires, four tests of self-regulation and a behaviour measure were administered to 153 students. Results: The Theory of Planned Behaviour model was significant in predicting both intentions and behaviour. Although binge-drinkers and non binge-drinkers were found to differ on three of the four measures of EF,none predicted additional variance in behaviour. Planning ability and inhibition control moderated the relationship between intention and behaviour such that for individuals who intended to binge-drink, those with high planning ability or high inhibitory control were more likely to avoid doing so.Conclusions: Interventions targeting binge-drinking behaviour should aim to develop planning skills and inhibitory control.