Does negative affect increase change readiness among college hazardous drinkers?

The Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model specifies that when the costs outweigh the benefits of substance abuse, the resulting discomfort can be a catalyst for change. The current study evaluated the roles of depression and anxiety in motivating readiness to change current drinking behaviors. Results from regression analyses of self-report data from 233 undergraduate hazardous drinkers indicated that higher levels of depression and anxiety were associated with elevated readiness to change. Additionally, study findings showed that when considered together, anxiety accounted for more of the individual differences in alcohol change readiness than depressive symptoms. Study results were discussed in the context of existing models of change readiness and implications for further research and clinical practice.