College students who disclose greater alcohol consumption are more likely to display alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptomatology during and after college. Among college students who identify as Black/African American, previous studies have suggested that alcohol consumption may be lower among this population compared to White students. However, Black/ African American young adults may endure greater rates of alcohol-related negative consequences and lower utilization of AUD treatment. Other factors that may influence alcohol use behaviors include exposure to trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and exposure to race-based stressors such as systemic racism and discrimination. This study examines the relationship between PTSD symptom severity, emotion regulation difficulties, and alcohol use severity and motives among Black/African American college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 282 non-Hispanic Black/African American college students with a history of alcohol use and exposure to a potentially traumatic event. Participants completed assessments that measured exposure to 16 potentially traumatic events, PTSD symptom severity over the past month, and emotion regulation difficulties. Lastly, students were asked to report hazardous and harmful alcohol use and drinking motives (coping, enhancement, conformity, and social). Indirect effect analyses were used to examine the data for potential relationships.
Results of the data analysis showed PTSD symptom severity was positively correlated with emotion regulation difficulties and alcohol use severity. There was a significant positive indirect effect of PTSD symptom severity on alcohol use severity through emotion regulation difficulties. PTSD symptom severity was also positively associated with coping, enhancement, and conformity alcohol use motives. A significant positive indirect effect of PTSD symptom severity on alcohol use severity via coping and conformity motives was found. However, relationships between PTSD symptom severity and alcohol use severity via enhancement and social motives were not identified.
Takeaway: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity and emotion regulation difficulties may impact alcohol use severity among Black/ African American college students.