Disentangling the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Problematic Alcohol Use Among College Students: Evidence From a Cluster Analytic Approach

Gierski, Fabien;De Wever, Elodie;Benzerouk, Farid;Lannoy, Séverine;Quaglino, Véronique;et.al.
(2019) Alcohol and Alcoholism — Vol. 55, n° 2, p. 196-203 (2019)

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  • Gierski, Fabienorcid-logoUniversité de Reims Champagne Ardenne
    Author
  • De Wever, ElodieUniversité de Picardie Jules Verne
    Author
  • Benzerouk, FaridEtablissement Public de Santé Mentale de la Marne
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  • Lannoy, SéverineUCLouvain
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  • Quaglino, VéroniqueUniversité de Picardie Jules Verne
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Abstract
Aims: Investigation of the relationship between self-esteem and alcohol use among college students has yielded discrepant results. We hypothesized that these discrepancies could originate from a potential heterogeneity of self-esteem patterns among young adult with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Methods: A community sample of 343 college students was recruited and categorized with or without AUD using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test cut-offs. College students were compared on the dimensions of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) as well as mood, impulsiveness, alcohol- and other substance-related measures, including drinking motives. Results:A cluster analysis conducted among college students with AUD highlighted two subgroups characterized by contrasting patterns on the CSEI: One group with a high level of self-esteem and low levels of anxiety and depression symptoms and one group with a low level of self-esteem and high levels of impulsiveness, mood symptoms and drinking to cope motives. Conclusion: Findings caution against assuming that AUD is associated with low self-esteem, as reported in previous studies. These results rather emphasize a heterogeneity of self-esteem in college students, showing that high self-esteem was also related to AUD. Implications of these results are major for prevention purposes and clinical practice.
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Gierski, F., De Wever, E., Benzerouk, F., Lannoy, S., Kaladjian, A., Naassila, M., & Quaglino, V. (2019). Disentangling the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Problematic Alcohol Use Among College Students: Evidence From a Cluster Analytic Approach. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 55(2), 196-203. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agz097 (Original work published 2019)