Alcohol, Sleep and Five-Factor Personality Characteristics: A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

To date, a substantial body of research has demonstrated that undergraduate students are often found to experience poor sleep quality, as well as frequently high levels of alcohol usage. Furthermore these two concerns are frequently found to be significantly correlated. Additionally, past research has illustrated how certain Big Five personality domains relate to patterns of high alcohol consumption and low sleep quality, as well as which personality domains relate to low alcohol consumption and high sleep quality. The present study (N = 305) extended previous research by combining these three constructs—sleep, alcohol, and personality—using latent profile analysis. It was hypothesized that a 4-class solution would be found, that higher alcohol consumption would correlate with sleep disturbance, and that certain personality traits would be predictive of class membership. These hypotheses were partially supported by the results. A 4- class model was found to be the best-fitting solution, which appeared to be differentiated by levels of alcohol consumption. All classes were found to experience sleep disturbance independent of alcohol use, and possible reasons for this outcome are discussed. Additionally, a number of personality types were found to be predictive of alcohol class assignment in ways that were primarily aligned with previous research findings. Implications for clinical practice with college students, as well as future study directions are discussed.