Individual Variation in Behavioral Economic Indices of the Relative Value of Alcohol: Incremental Validity in Relation to Impulsivity, Craving, and Intellectual Functioning

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the role of individual variation in behavioral economic indices of the relative value of alcohol in relation to alcohol use and misuse. The aim of the present study was to investigate the importance of behavioral economic indices of demand for alcohol generated from an alcohol purchase task (APT), a task that measures estimated alcohol consumption and price sensitivity above and beyond established risk variables, including dimensions of impulsivity and craving for alcohol. In addition, the study examined the APT indices in relation to intellectual functioning. Hierarchical regressions revealed that the behavioral economic index of Omax and intellectual functioning were significantly and uniquely associated with weekly alcohol consumption. In contrast, Intensity, and craving for alcohol were uniquely associated with alcohol misuse. These results provide further support for the importance of behavioral economic indices of demand in relation to both alcohol use and alcohol misuse. Parallels to previous studies, limitations, and important future directions are discussed.