Personality Risk Factors and Readiness to Change in Mandated and Voluntary College Students Enrolled in an Alcohol Intervention Program

Subst Use Misuse. 2014 Jan 1;49(1-2):154-165. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2013.824472. Epub 2013 Aug 21.

Abstract

This study compared personality risk factors and readiness to change drinking behavior among mandated and volunteer college students. The sample (N = 583) completed three measures of motivation to change and personality risk factors at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months between 2011 and 2012. Linear mixed models were used to determine an association of continuous outcome variable(s) with covariates over time. Participants in the action stage had lower impulsivity scores. Gender was significant, with females showing the highest anxiety and lowest sensation seeking. The findings indicate a number of future directions to advance innovative alcohol intervention and treatment programs on college campuses.

Keywords: alcohol abuse; college students; intervention; mandated; personality risk factors; readiness to change.