Predicting heavy episodic alcohol drinking using an extended temporal self-regulation theory

Abstract

Background: Heavy episodic alcohol drinking is a health-risk behaviour that can increase the short-term risk of injury and long-term risk of non-communicable diseases. Temporal self-regulation theory and dual-process models describe similar theoretical constructs that might predict heavy episodic drinking. Aim: To test an extended temporal self-regulation theory in the prediction of heavy episodic drinking. The hypothesised extension was that executive function would moderate the behavioural prepotency-behaviour relationship, as suggested by dual-process models. Design: Predictive study. Participants: 149 Australian adults (mean age = 26 years; 66% women). Measures: Questionnaires (self-report habit index, cues to action scale, purpose-made intention questionnaire, timeline follow-back questionnaire) and executive function tasks (Stroop, Tower of London, Operation Span). Procedure: Participants completed measures of theoretical constructs at baseline and reported their alcohol consumption two weeks later. Analyses: Hierarchical multiple linear regression. Findings: Temporal self-regulation theory significantly predicted heavy episodic drinking (R2 = 58-59%, p < .001) and the hypothesised extension significantly improved the prediction (ΔR2 = 1-4%, p < .05). Intention, behavioural prepotency, planning ability and inhibitory control directly predicted heavy episodic drinking (p < .05). Planning ability moderated the intention-behaviour relationship and inhibitory control moderated the behavioural prepotency-behaviour relationship (p < .05). Behavioural prepotency did not significantly moderate the intention-behaviour relationship and working memory capacity demonstrated no significant, direct or moderating relationships. Discussion: The extended temporal self-regulation theory provides good prediction of heavy episodic drinking. Intention, behavioural prepotency, planning ability and inhibitory control may be good targets for interventions designed to decrease heavy episodic drinking.