title: A field investigation of perceived behavioral control and blood alcohol content: a pattern-oriented approach.
abstract: As the first field study of perceived behavioral control (PBC) to assess alcohol consumption with a physiological measure (i.e., blood alcohol content; BAC), the research examined the impact of intoxication on alcohol-specific PBC (APBC). In total, 665 passersby were recruited into the study at several late-night drinking locations near a large university campus. After answering questions regarding personal demographics and APBC, participants were administered a breath alcohol test (Lifeloc FC-20; ±.005mL/L). The average BAC of drinking participants was .096mL/L. A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to classify participants based on APBC responses. Three classes emerged: high PBC, high controllability, and low controllability. Class membership varied as a function of gender and Greek-life membership. Blood alcohol content was a significant predictor of class membership. Results show a link between alcohol consumption and APBC that varies based on gender and Greek-life status. These findings are discussed with regard to their implications for a variety of prevention interventions.
authors: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States. ryan.smith@vt.edu
authors: Ryan C
authors: RC
authors: Smith
authors: Patrick T
authors: PT
authors: Coyle
authors: Conrad
authors: C
authors: Baldner
authors: Bethany C
authors: BC
authors: Bray
authors: E Scott
authors: ES
authors: Geller
mesh_terms: D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D001944:Breath Tests; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D000431:Ethanol / Q000032:analysis*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014495:Universities
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol