An investigation of relationships between level of alcohol use impairment and personality characteristics

This study sought to determine the relationships between levels of alcohol use impairment and personality characteristics. Subjects were 166 persons selected because of known or suspected alcohol use patterns. Subjects were administered the Alcohol Use Inventory and Personality Research Form. Six alcohol use groups were determined by the raw scores of the Alcohol Use Inventory. Multiple discriminant analysis was used to evaluate personality differences among the groups. It appears that at least 2 personality variables distinguish different drinking patterns. The variables of Aggression and Play (a composite variable of Affiliation, Order, and Play) appear to be indicative of alcohol use patterns and may provide a measurement of proclivity to them.