Trajectories of heavy alcohol use during the transition to emerging adulthood

A developmental trend in heavy drinking decline has been observed from mid20s onward. Most studies explain it from psychosocial perspectives, including novel life events, social roles, and personality traits. However, more knowledge is needed concerning cognitive functioning and heavy drinking resilience in emerging adulthood; neurodevelopmental changes in cognitive control occur during this life stage as well. This PhD project aims to develop an integrative model of resilience to heavy drinking in emerging adulthood. This model will focus on two key resilience mechanisms (cognitive control and emotion regulation), as well as distal (parental) and current (social support and romantic relationships), influences, life events, and personality maturation.