Living in the here and now: interrelationships between impulsivity, mindfulness, and alcohol misuse

Source: Psychopharmacology

Abstract
Rationale  Impulsivity and mindfulness both emphasize orientation to the present, and both have been linked to alcohol misuse, but the
relationship between the two is not clearly understood.

Objectives  The objectives of this study are to examine the relationships between elements of impulsivity and mindfulness and to examine
both variables in relation to alcohol misuse.

Method  Young adults (N = 116) were assessed for alcohol use, mindfulness, and impulsivity using psychometrically validated measures.

Results  Numerous significant associations were present among the facets of impulsivity and mindfulness. All impulsivity facets and
three facets of mindfulness were related to alcohol consumption and adverse consequences from drinking. After controlling
for other variables, only the impulsivity domains of Negative Urgency (NU), Positive Urgency, and delay discounting were significantly
related to alcohol consumption and only Lack of Premeditation and NU were significantly associated with drinking-related consequences.

Conclusions  There was considerable overlap between some elements of impulsivity and mindfulness while the overlap was negligible for other
facets. The associations between mindfulness and alcohol misuse were entirely a function of impulsivity. In particular, acting
on impulses while experiencing a negative affect was significantly associated with level of alcohol consumption and level
of alcohol-related risk. Steep discounting of future rewards was associated with alcohol consumption while poor premeditation
was associated with adverse drinking consequences. These findings illustrate the importance of jointly studying impulsivity
when examining mindfulness traits.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Investigation
  • Pages 527-536
  • DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2573-0
  • Authors
    • Cara Murphy, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
    • James MacKillop, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

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