Personality, Drinking Patterns, and Problem Drinking among Young Adult Offenders

Abstract

Three matched groups (n = 27) of young adult alcohol offenders, non-alcohol offenders and controls were compared on mental health, use of alcohol, and problem drinking. Ss of the non-alcohol and control groups were matched with alcohol offenders on race, sex, age, education, social status, and religion. All Ss received the MMPI, the Barron Ego Strength Scale (Es), an alcohol frequency/quantity questionnaire and the Park Problem Drinking Scale. Alcohol offenders showed less mental health, lower Es, excessive drinking, and greater problem drinking behavior than controls. Alcohol and non-alcohol offenders were similar in mental health and Es, but the former group drank significantly more alcohol and showed more problem drinking behavior. Implications suggest that excessive drinking may be learned and maintained by psychological, physiological, and/or sociological reinforcement(s).