We believe there are a number of implications of the theory we have offered, and we hope this paper proves generative of theoretical advances beyond what we have offered as well as new, informative empirical research. Many further theoretical advances are necessary to improve our understanding of African American drinking. For example, there is considerable room to elaborate on the process by which individuals choose the reinforcement associated with alcohol use when faced with limited access to SLRs. One body of theory and research that may prove relevant is that concerning the pursuit of immediate versus delayed rewards. One important skill for adaptive functioning is to have the capacity not to respond to immediate urges or immediately available reinforcement, if doing so undermines one’s important long-term goals and interests (Davidson, 2003). Developmental science emphasizes the ongoing formation of the capacity to organize one’s behavior around important goals (Lerner, Freund, Stefanis, & Habermas, 2001). When, as we have argued here, circumstances are such that one does not perceive a way to pursue important, long-term interests (one sees limited access to SLRs),
