The Association Between Emotional Control and Affect Lability and Alcohol Problems Among College Students

Our results provide some evidence that individuals with greater self-regulation are less likely to exhibit spontaneous reactions to negative affect, which can lead to fewer alcohol-related issues. On the other hand, individuals with frequent emotional fluctuations may struggle to control their reactions to negative affect, making them more vulnerable to alcohol-related problems. Distinguishing between these two emotional processes, specifically effortful emotional control and affect lability in the context of anger and sadness, may help clarify our understanding of the mechanisms associated with alcohol-related behavior.