From alcohol to aggression: Examining the structure and nomological network of dysregulated behaviors in a trauma-exposed community sample

• Authors: Konrad Bresin, Georgia State University; Yara Mekawi, Emory University; Jennifer Stevens, Emory University; Rebecca Hinrichs, Emory University; Negar Fani, Emory University; Vasiliki Michopoulos, Emory University; Abigail Powers, Emory University
• Journal Title: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
• Volume: Volume 78, Number 6
• Publisher: WILEY | 2021-12-04, Pages 1220-1239
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23288
• Subjects: Psychology, General
• Keywords: Social Sciences; Psychology, Clinical; Psychology; binge drinking; emotional dysregulation; self-injury; violence; NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY; EMOTION DYSREGULATION; USE DISORDERS; SUBSTANCE USE; PERSONALITY; VALIDATION; MODEL; PTSD; VIOLENCE; THERAPY

Abstract

Objective: A large body of research has shown that alcohol use, drug use, aggression, and self-harm often co-occur within the same individuals, suggesting the possibility of shared etiologies. Research has yet to determine the factor structure of these dysregulated behaviors. Methods: Participants (Mage = 40.33; 74% women) completed self-report and interview-based measures of dysregulated behaviors (alcohol use, drug use, aggression, and self-harm), emotion dysregulation, maladaptive personality traits, and symptoms of DSM disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder [BPD], depression). Results: Results showed support for a bifactor model (i.e., all indicators load on a common dysregulated behavior factor and on unique alcohol, drug, aggression, and self-harm factors), which provided a better fit to the data than other models. In line with our hypotheses, the general dysregulated behavior factor was positively associated with emotion regulation difficulties, negative affect, and BPD symptoms. Conclusions: These results have implications for several areas of psychopathology and intervention research.