Hangover moderates the association between personality and drinking problems

This study investigated hangover as a potential mediator or moderator of the relation between personality and drinking problems. Hangover did not appear to mediate the relation, suggesting that the link between personality and drinking problems does not stem from an indirect effect via hangover. Hangover did appear to moderate the relation. Personality and drinking problems correlated significantly for subjects who reported experiencing severe hangovers, but not for those who reported mild hangovers. Those who experience greater hangover may choose to drink more alcohol in order to relieve these adverse effects, and this choice may vary with personality. The theoretical and conceptual implications of mediators and moderators are also discussed.