Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

James Murphy

Committee Member

Gina Caucci

Committee Member

Helen Sable

Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with a positive family history of alcohol misuse (FH+) are at an increased lifetime risk for alcohol use disorder compared to those without such a history (FH-). Risk associated with family history may manifest during emerging adulthood, given that alcohol consumption often increases during this period. However, the behavioral mechanisms underlying these risks remain less clear. This study aimed to examine FH status differences in alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences, and behavioral economic mechanisms (i.e., alcohol demand) in a sample of emerging adults who reported recent heavy drinking. Method: Emerging adults (N = 569; 29% FH+, 71% FH-; Mage = 22.63; 46% White; 39% Black; 58% Female) reporting at least one past-month heavy episodic drinking episode completed the Daily Drinking Questionnaire, Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), and the Alcohol Purchase Task (APT). Participants scoring 2 or higher on the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test Short-form (CAST) were classified as FH+. Results: A MANOVA assessing drinking outcomes was significant (p < .001, η² = .05). Univariate tests revealed that FH+ individuals reported significantly more heavy drinking days (p < .001, η² = .02), greater drinks per week (p = .007, η² = .01), and higher alcohol-related consequences (YAACQ scores; p < .001, η² = .04) compared to FH- participants. There were no statistically significant FH differences on any of the primary alcohol demand indices (intensity, Omax, elasticity, breakpoint; all ps > .01). However, an exploratory analysis revealed small elevations in demand at several specific price points (e.g., $6 to $10). Conclusions: Emerging adults with a positive family history reported greater alcohol consumption and related consequences compared to their FH- counterparts, but, consistent with previous research, the absence of significant differences in the primary demand curve metrics suggests no FH effects on overall alcohol reinforcing efficacy. Future research should continue to explore behavioral economic and other mechanisms that might contribute to increased alcohol-related risk during emerging adulthood.

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Data is provided by the student.

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Open access.

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