Impulsivity, Self-Control, and Substance Use Risk Among University Students: An Empirical Personality Psychology Study

Abstract

This empirical personality psychology study examined how multidimensional impulsivity and trait self-control predict alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use risk among university students. Using the SUPPS-P, Brief Self-Control Scale, AUDIT, CUDIT-R, and DUDIT, data from 91 actively enrolled university students were analysed in Jamovi using reliability analyses, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression models. Results showed that positive and negative urgency were positively associated with alcohol misuse risk, while sensation seeking significantly predicted other drug risk. Trait self-control showed a significant negative correlation with alcohol misuse, supporting its role as a protective factor. The findings highlight stable personality-based vulnerability and resilience pathways underlying maladaptive coping within university environments.