Examining the Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas, Stress, Emotion Regulation, and Alcohol Use in College Students

RM 215-218

College students frequently engage in drinking habits that may be detrimental to their health. Because these habits can lead to physical and mental health consequences, it is crucial to delineate the specific predictors of problem alcohol use in college students. One potential predictor is cognitive vulnerability; specifically Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS). Early Maladaptive Schemas are dysfunctional beliefs about oneself and relationships that develop during childhood or adolescence and continue throughout life (Young, Klosko, & Weishaar, 2003). Emotion regulation (ER) strategies, which are used by individuals to help regulate and manage their emotions, have also been suggested as predictors of risky substance use. Furthermore, stress has been implicated as a predictor of many negative health behaviors (Lazarus, 1984), including substance use. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine which EMS were predictive of alcohol use in college students, and the relationships between the various EMS and alcohol use, as well as whether any of these relationships were mediated by ER and/or moderated by stress, will be presented. Additionally, further details of these findings and their practical implications will be discussed.