Psychology. In: Galanter M, editor. Recent Developments in Alcoholism. Boston: Springer US; 1993. pp. 45-72. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-1742-3_3]

Personality, Environment, and Problem Drug Use

We tested a theoretical model that posited direct and Interactive relationships between personality and environment as predictive of problem drug use. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed on data from a nonclinical sample of males and females first tested in adolescence and followed into young adulthood. In main effects analyses, cross-sectional models for marijuana and a composite of “harder” drugs strongly supported our theoretical perspective: several environmental and personality variables significantly predicted concurrent problem use. Longitudinal analyses produced mixed results, with either smaller numbers of significant personality/environment predictors or personality predictors dropping out completely. Peer drug use and depression best predicted problem “hard” drug use, while motivations to use with others and disinhibition best predicted problem marijuana use. Personality/peer group interactions were significant both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, indicating that membership in a problem-using social network enhanced the predictive ability of, or helped bring to fruition, several personality predisposers.

Predicting problem drinking: a test of an interactive social learning model

This study tested a social learning model and explored the direct and interactive relationships between personality and environment in predicting problem alcohol use. We used longitudinal data from a nonclinical sample of males and females first tested in adolescence and followed into young adulthood. Hierarchial regression analyses were used to test main effects and interaction models. The cross-sectional data supported an interactive social learning model. Both personality and environment variables significantly predicted problem drinking. Two interactions between heavy drinking peer groups and personality variables were significant. Contrary to our hypothesis, the direction of the interaction was negative. In contrast, the longitudinal analyses did not provide strong support for our interactive model. Personality variables were significant predictors longitudinally, but in only one analysis did an environment variable significantly predict problem drinking. Furthermore, none of the interactions was significant predictors over time. Overall, the findings suggest that social learning models based on the interaction of personality and environmental influences may be more appropriate for predicting concurrent, as opposed to future problems, and that future research should include person-environment interactions. In addition, cultural tolerance of heavy drinking may be an important determinant of the role of psychological vulnerability in the development of problem drinking.

Generality versus Specificity of Problem Behavior: Psychological and Functional Differences

Data from a longitudinal study of male and female youth were used to examine the association between cumulative levels of delinquency and drug use from early adolescence to young adulthood. Results from a principal components analysis indicated that delinquency and drug use represent two distinct dimensions of problem behavior. Subjects were categorized into four groups based on their cumulative levels of drug use and delinquency over a nine-year period. Group differences in the reactive coping use of problem behaviors, in psychological problems, and in personality traits were assessed. Results indicate that subjects who are high in both drug use and delinquency have significantly higher levels of mental health problems than all other subjects. Overall, the findings support the notion that the expression of deviance is not necessarily undifferentiated. Instead, different individuals may specialize in different forms of deviance.