A Dyadic Growth Approach to Partner Regulation Attempts on Changes in Drinking and Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences

Abstract

Background-Many individuals engage in regulation attempts to manage or reduce their partner's alcohol use. Research on partner social control behaviors has shown that regulation attempts generally factor into negative (i.e., punishing) and positive (i.e., rewarding) dimensions. In the alcohol domain, partner drinking has been associated with poorer relationship functioning through punishment.

Alcohol Use Among Concerned Partners of Heavy Drinking Service Members and Veterans

“…They may punish their partner's drinking behaviors or find ways to support their partner's sobriety, but they might also support their partner's drinking (perhaps through their own drinking) or withdraw from their partner when their partner is drinking, which may increase conflict (Love et al., ). Although all behavioral responses by CPs likely stem from a desire to reduce their partner's drinking, not all behaviors are equally effective at changing behavior (Rodriguez, ). Understanding what CP characteristics affect their own behaviors or moderate these associations is important for tailoring future intervention efforts.…”