Work

Understanding Momentary Alcohol Use Cognitions Through the Lenses of Momentary Socioeconomic Identification, Unfair Treatment, and Strain

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background Studies suggest that socioeconomic status (SES) is related to alcohol use. SES may impact alcohol use via exposures to financial stress, discriminatory experiences, identity threats, negative emotions, and perceived threats. These experiences could lead to alcohol use via increases in alcohol use willingness. However, there is little research using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to illuminate temporal dynamics in the relationship between SES and alcohol use willingness during daily life moments. This is especially important to examine in emerging adults, given their unique developmental stage.Methods A sample of 119 African American emerging adults (mean age = 24.82, 59% female, diverse educational levels) completed 4 d of EMA surveys reporting both SES-related experiences and alcohol use willingness on an hourly basis.Results Higher perception of SES-based unfair treatment was found to be linked with a greater willingness to drink at the moment (p < .001, b = 0.66). Conversely, a positive view of one’s own SES at the moment was associated with a lower willingness to drink (p < .001, b = −0.12). Additionally, a heightened perception of perceived threat at the moment was associated with a higher willingness to drink (p = .001, b = 0.05).Conclusion SES-based unfair treatment and positive identification are factors that influence spontaneous alcohol use interest among emerging adults. Clinicians should assess these SES factors when attempting prevention and treatment, especially momentary interventions. Further, research should investigate more mechanisms explaining associations between SES-based unfair treatment and willingness to use other substances.

Source: Substance Use & Misuse

DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2431049

Authors: Zhuoran Xiang, Nataria Tennille Joseph, Laurel M. Peterson

Institutions: Yale University, Pepperdine University, Bryn Mawr College

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities