COVID-19 Related Stress, Impulsivity, and Alcohol Use Outcomes among College Students

Objective: This study examined the associations between COVID-19 related stress and alcohol use outcomes, and the role of impulsive personality traits in moderating these associations. Participants: Participants were college students from a large public university in the southwestern United States (n = 425; 74.9% female) and a private mid-size institution in the southeastern United States (N = 114; 74.6% female). Methods: Students completed self-report assessments during fall 2020. Hierarchical multiple regression models were conducted. Results: Main effects of COVID-19 related stress, negative urgency, and sensation seeking on both alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms emerged. The association between COVID-19 related stress and AUD symptoms was greater among students with higher negative urgency. Conclusions: The association between COVID-19 related stress and drinking is evident across the undergraduate student body. Findings demonstrate that students higher in negative urgency may be particularly vulnerable to AUD pathology during periods of heightened stress.