Dysmorphic Appearance Concern and Hazardous Alcohol Use in University Students: The Mediating Role of Alcohol Expectancies

Abstract

Objective: A paucity of research has examined the link between body image concerns and alcohol use in university students. Individuals with elevated body image concerns may use alcohol due to the endorsement of expectancies that alcohol will reduce discomfort deriving from appearance concerns. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the how the link between body image concerns (i.e., dysmorphic appearance concerns) and hazardous alcohol use may be accounted for by alcohol-related expectancies. Method: Participants were 138 undergraduates (74% male) who completed an online survey that gauged dysmorphic appearance concern, alcohol use, and alcohol-related expectancies. Results: Results..