The LCD lab has recently begun collecting data to better understand the relationship between avoidant personality traits and alcohol consumption. Lab member and Co-PI on the project, Riddhi Patel, is taking the lead on this study.
Avoidant Personality Disorder (APV) is characterized by its pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
Patel is interested in subclinical levels of AVD – that is symptoms of AVD that are not severe enough to meet the full criteria of a disorder. Her study will draw upon survey responses from undergraduates to determine whether specific psychological indicators such as shame or self-esteem explain why people with avoidant tendencies drink.
This is an important question given the problematic alcohol use among college students and because AVD traits are common among the general population.