How Early Life Stress and Insecure Attachment Affect Decision-Making Style and Motivation to Use Alcohol: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that early life stress (ELS), insecure attachment (IA), decision-making style (DMS), and one's motivation to use alcohol (MA) have mutual influence. So this study was conducted to clarify the mechanisms between them by structural equation modelling. We surveyed 256 adult men who consumed alcohol and conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to construct an appropriate structural equation model. Results showed direct effects on MA by ELS (36.7%) and IA (23.1%) and an indirect impact on MA with DMS as a mediator, of 12.2% and 9.8%, respectively. The model fit indices of this model satisfied recommended levels at chi(2)/df = 2.498, GFI = 0.931 and CFI = 0.959. In conclusion, MA is directly affected by ELS, IA and DMS. Furthermore, DMS acts as a moderator.