Comparative Study Between Alcoholics and Non-Alcoholics on Personality Attributes: A Study on Adult Population

Abstract

Heavy alcohol consumption is a major public health problem (WHO,2014), increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, certain cancers, mental health problems and premature mortality. Understanding the determinants of harmful levels of alcohol intake is important, if progress is to be made in modifying this behavior. While socioeconomic status and mental health are established predictors, the role of other psychological factors has been much less well explored. The extent to which alcohol consumption is determined by personality has long been debated (Cloninger et al., 1988; Tarter, 1988).  The present study was undertaken to analyse the difference between the personality attributes of alcoholic and non-alcoholic adults. The sample of the study consists of 180 adults (60 alcoholics; 120 non-alcoholics) from Jaipur city selected through purposive sampling method. Out of 60 alcoholics 20 frequent alcoholics and 40 infrequent alcoholics were selected from addiction centre. Participants filled the demographic questionnaire and NEO-PIR scale (Paul T. Costa Jr. Robert,1992). The results indicated a significant difference between frequent alcoholics, infrequent alcoholics and non-alcoholics on dimension of NEO-PIR. Strong associations exist between personality traits and alcohol consumption. Studying pertinent narrowband qualities can reveal the psychological processes through which personality influences drinking patterns and associated issues as well. The findings will help improving clinical interventions for alcohol related and personality related disorders.