A field investigation of perceived behavioral control and blood alcohol content: A pattern-oriented approach

Ryan C. Smith, Patrick T. Coyle, Conrad Baldner, Bethany C. Bray, E. Scott Geller

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    3 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    As the first field study of perceived behavioral control (PBC) to assess alcohol consumption with a physiological measure (i.e., blood alcohol content; BAC), the research examined the impact of intoxication on alcohol-specific PBC (APBC). In total, 665 passersby were recruited into the study at several late-night drinking locations near a large university campus. After answering questions regarding personal demographics and APBC, participants were administered a breath alcohol test (Lifeloc FC-20; ± .005. mL/L). The average BAC of drinking participants was .096. mL/L. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to classify participants based on APBC responses. Three classes emerged: high PBC, high controllability, and low controllability. Class membership varied as a function of gender and Greek-life membership. Blood alcohol content was a significant predictor of class membership. Results show a link between alcohol consumption and APBC that varies based on gender and Greek-life status. These findings are discussed with regard to their implications for a variety of prevention interventions.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)2080-2083
    Number of pages4
    JournalAddictive Behaviors
    Volume38
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Apr 2013

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Medicine (miscellaneous)
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Toxicology
    • Psychiatry and Mental health

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