Ak Ardent Lab

Negative affect-related drinking

A major interest area of mine is how negative affect, in particular depression and suicidality, effects alcohol use and consequences. The overarching aims of this line of research is to understand the relationships between depression, risk for suicide, and alcohol misuse so we can better understand how to better serve people struggling with these issues. By understanding these relationships we can develop better efforts at prevention and treatment. My research has helped to uncover how drinking context, particularly drinking alone (solitary drinking), is associated with depression and suicidal ideation. My early research in this area has contributed to significant interest in solitary drinking, that has spread far beyond our lab.

Gonzalez V.M., & Halvorsen, K. A. (2021). Mediational role of drinking to cope in the associations of depression and suicidal ideation with solitary drinking in adults seeking alcohol treatment. Substance Use and Misuse, 56, 588-597.

Gonzalez, V.M. (2019). Factors linking suicidal ideation with drinking to cope and alcohol problems in emerging adult college drinkers. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 27, 166-177.

Gonzalez, V.M., & Neander, L. (2018). Impulsivity as a mediator in the relationship between problem solving and suicidal ideation. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74, 1626– 1640.

Gonzalez, V.M., Skewes, M.C., & Cavanaugh, C. (2017). Depression and suicide. In A. Blume (Series Ed.), Social issues in living color: Challenges and solutions from the perspective of ethnic minority psychology: Vol. 3. Promoting health and well-being (pp. 221-248). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.

Gonzalez, V. M., & Skewes, M. C. (2013). Solitary heavy drinking, social relationships, and negative mood regulation in college drinkers. Addiction: Research and Theory, 21, 285-294.

Gonzalez, V. M., & Hewell, V. (2012). Suicidal ideation and drinking to cope among college binge drinkers. Addictive Behaviors, 37, 994-997.

Gonzalez, V. M. (2012). Association of solitary binge drinking and suicidal behavior among emerging adult college students. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 26, 609-614.

Gonzalez, V. M., Reynolds, B., & Skewes, M. C. (2011). Role of impulsivity in the relationship between depression and alcohol problems among emerging adult college drinkers. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 19, 303-313.

Gonzalez, V.M., Bradizza, C.M., & Collins, R.L. (2009). Drinking to cope as a statistical mediator in the relationship of suicidal ideation and alcohol outcomes among underage college drinkers. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 23, 443-451.

Gonzalez, V.M., Collins, C.M., & Bradizza, C.M. (2009). Solitary and social heavy drinking, suicidal ideation, and drinking motives in underage college drinkers. Addictive Behaviors, 34, 993-999.

Grant support

This research was funded by the following grants

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – 1R21AA018135

Chancellor’s Fund Award – 2009

Faculty Development Grant – 2008

Research Institute on Addictions – Research Development Grant