the relationship between negative affective states and alcohol intake or problems is not a strong one and laboratory-based studies have provided contradictory evidence on the effects of alcohol on negative affect. More specifically, the authors argue that negative affect regulation from drinking may be highly dependent upon intraindividual and situational factors, such as expectancies, genetics, and stressful environments (Sher, Grekin, and Williams, 2005). This is certainly as much of an empirical question as it is a theoretical one and further research is needed to better understand the underlying structure of the various facets of subjective responses to alcohol as well as their conceptual meaning and predictive utility. Of note, vigor and urge to drink upon consuming the first two alcoholic drinks were significantly positively associated with alcohol consumption within a given episode. These EMA-based findings offer a better understanding the subjective responses that serve as antecedent, as perhaps determinants, of alcohol consumption in the natural environment.
