Personality correlates of alcohol consumption

The present study examines the link between alcohol consumption and personality, using the California Psychological Inventory in a large well-adjusted sample and tests four hypotheses, including one that states that persons who drink no alcohol at all are less well adjusted than persons who drink moderate amounts. The results confirm the hypotheses. Alcohol consumed correlates positively with sociability and extraversion, but negatively with conscientiousness and willingness to conform. The results also show, in a large sample and using a comprehensive personality inventory, that persons who drink no alcohol at all are a little more withdrawn, a little less ambitious, a little less generally well-organised and competent, than people who drink in moderation. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.