Agnes Zhou
Advisor: Anna Fisher
Majors: Psychology; Social and Political History
Drinking Motives Mediate the Relationship between Personality and High Intensity Drinking in a Sample of Underage Drinkers
Due to the prevalence of heavy alcohol use in young adults and the detrimental consequences associated with it, researchers have long been interested in identifying risk factors for binge drinking behavior. However, a substantial proportion of young adults are actually drinking at levels far beyond this standard binge threshold (high intensity drinking), which can cause severe alcohol-related problems, such as blackouts, unintended sexual experiences, and death. This study will be the first to investigate whether drinking motives mediate the relationship between personality and high intensity drinking in a large sample of underage drinkers. Findings will provide information about which young adults are particularly vulnerable to engage in this drinking behavior and why, which could aid in more targeted interventions.
Bio
I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology, with the future goal of getting a PhD and becoming a clinical psychologist. I also played softball at CMU my freshman year then transitioned to track & field sophomore year. Outside of athletics, my interests include photography, cooking, fashion, and dogs.