Abstract (eng)
Background: Alcohol has many negative consequences for both, the consumer, and the whole society. Especially students are at high risk to develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recent research could identify two models which describe the reciprocal action between alcohol consumption and consequences (Use-to-Problem; Problem-to-Use). Furthermore, different risk factors could be identified: Personality traits (impulsivity [IMP], sensation seeking [SS], anxiety sensitivity [AS], hopelessness [H]), difficulties in emotion regulation (ERS) and drinking motives (enhancement [EHM], social [SZM], coping [CPM], conformity [KOM]). Method: A sample consisting of German speaking, predominantly female (72.1%) students was examined (N=315). Personality traits were measured by Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), difficulties in emotion regulation were measured by Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), drinking motives were measured by Drinking Motive Questionnaire Revised Short Form (DMQ-R-SF) and level of alcohol consumptions as well as alcohol-related consequences were measured by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Gender effects on consumption and drinking motives were examined. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the extended Use-to-Problem and Problem-to-Use model. In addition, direct and indirect effects between the risk factors were tested. Results: Gender effects were found. Men consumed more alcohol and had more alcohol-related consequences. Moreover, men reported more often social motives for their consumption. Both models were supported by the empirical data. However, there were no significant differences between the two models regarding their goodness of fit. Surprisingly, EHM and SZM had no significant direct effects on the level of consumption in both models. Furthermore, IMP was only directly associated with consequences in the Problem-to-Use model. AS was not linked to consumption, but to consequences through ERS. Discussion: Both models were supported by the empirical evidence. Future research should consider the Use-to-Problem model as well as the newly developed Problem-to-Use model. Students, especially men, often consume alcohol in harmful doses. Based on the two presented models, target-oriented prevention and support programs for students can be created.