Evaluation of the dualistic model of passion for alcohol consumption among emerging adults engaged in risky drinking

Background: Understanding factors influencing risky drinking among emerging adults could enhance interventions to reduce adverse outcomes. As a motivational construct, the dualistic model of passion (i.e., obsessive passion: drinking is compelling and conflicts with other life activities/values; harmonious passion: drinking is an important, but not overwhelming, part of life) offers a novel explanation for persistent alcohol use. Yet, the dualistic model of passion has not yet been evaluated in this at-risk population. Therefore, we examined whether the variables proposed by the dualistic model of passion were associated with sex, binge-drinking, and alcohol-related consequences among young risky drinkers. Method: We analyzed cross-sectional baseline data collected as part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial of emerging adults (n = 327; M_age=22.6, SD = 1.1, range 21–24; 61% female; 76% White non-Hispanic) engaged in risky drinking (AUDIT-C score ≥ 4 females, ≥ 5 males) recruited nationally via social media advertisements. Results: A path analysis revealed significant positive direct effects between obsessive passion and binge drinking and alcohol-related consequences, and significant negative direct effects between male sex and harmonious passion and binge drinking. There was also a positive direct effect between binge drinking and alcohol-related consequences. Male sex and obsessive passion were both indirectly related to alcohol-related consequences via binge drinking. Conclusion: Type of passion and male sex differentiates risky drinkers who binge drink and who experienced alcohol-related consequences. Future research should examine whether targeting obsessive passion reduces binge drinking and negative outcomes.