Effect Of Consideration Of Future Consequences And Self Control On Sensation Seeking On Alcohol Consumption In Medan City
Introduction
Alcoholic drinks are widely recognized as addictive substances that have a significant impact on individuals' physical, psychoneurological, and social well-being. In Medan, a city in Indonesia, alcohol consumption has become a trend that involves many people, often carried out for various reasons. One of the primary reasons behind alcohol consumption is the desire to find sensation or sensation seeking. This phenomenon is closely related to two crucial factors: considering future consequences (Consideration of Future Consequences or CFC) and self-control (self-control).
The Importance of Considering Future Consequences and Self-Control
Considering future consequences (CFC) refers to the ability of individuals to think about and evaluate the potential outcomes of their actions. This cognitive process enables individuals to make informed decisions that take into account the potential risks and benefits of their behavior. On the other hand, self-control refers to the ability of individuals to regulate their behavior and make choices that align with their long-term goals and values.
The Relationship Between CFC, Self-Control, and Sensation Seeking
Sensation seeking is a personality trait characterized by a desire for novel, intense, and varied experiences. Individuals who engage in sensation seeking behavior often prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term consequences. In the context of alcohol consumption, sensation seeking can lead to excessive drinking and related problems.
This study aims to explore the extent to which CFC and self-control affect sensation seeking among individuals who consume alcohol in Medan City. The study employed an accidental sampling method to involve 221 early adult individuals aged between 18 and 40 years who have consumed alcohol in the last three months. Data were collected using three types of scales: Sensation Seeking Scale, CFC scale, and self-control scale, and analyzed with multiple regression techniques.
Findings
The results of this study showed that:
- CFC has a significant effect on sensation seeking: Individuals who pay more attention to future consequences tend to make wiser decisions in consuming alcohol. They are more likely to avoid risky behavior that can endanger themselves.
- Self-control does not show a significant effect on sensation seeking: This finding suggests that even though individuals have good self-control, they may still be involved in sensation search behavior.
- Both CFC and self-control simultaneously have an effect on sensation seeking in the context of alcohol consumption in Medan City: This finding highlights the importance of understanding how individuals consider future consequences in decision-making related to alcohol.
Implications
The implications of this study indicate that interventions that focus on increasing awareness of the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption can be more effective in reducing sensation search behavior. In this context, public health education and prevention programs that emphasize understanding of future consequences can help reduce excessive alcohol consumption rates and negative impacts.
Conclusion
This study made an important contribution to understanding the dynamics between CFC, self-control, and sensation seeking, as well as providing useful insights for policy developers and health practitioners in designing more effective programs to overcome the problem of alcohol consumption in the community.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Integrate CFC and self-control into public health education and prevention programs: Programs that emphasize understanding of future consequences and self-control can help reduce excessive alcohol consumption rates and negative impacts.
- Develop targeted interventions for individuals with low CFC and self-control: Interventions that focus on increasing awareness of the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption can be more effective in reducing sensation search behavior.
- Conduct further research on the relationship between CFC, self-control, and sensation seeking: Further research is needed to understand the complex dynamics between these variables and to develop more effective interventions.
Limitations
This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study employed an accidental sampling method, which may not be representative of the broader population. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors. Finally, the study focused on a specific population (early adult individuals aged between 18 and 40 years) and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Future Directions
This study provides a foundation for future research on the relationship between CFC, self-control, and sensation seeking. Future studies can build on this research by:
- Examining the relationship between CFC, self-control, and sensation seeking in different populations: Future studies can examine the relationship between these variables in different populations, such as adolescents, older adults, or individuals with mental health disorders.
- Developing and testing interventions that target CFC and self-control: Future studies can develop and test interventions that target CFC and self-control, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based interventions.
- Investigating the neural mechanisms underlying CFC and self-control: Future studies can investigate the neural mechanisms underlying CFC and self-control, such as the role of the prefrontal cortex or the amygdala.
Q&A: Effect of Consideration of Future Consequences and Self Control on Sensation Seeking in Alcohol Consumption in Medan City =====================================================================================================================
Q: What is the main focus of this study?
A: The main focus of this study is to explore the extent to which considering future consequences (CFC) and self-control affect sensation seeking among individuals who consume alcohol in Medan City.
Q: What is sensation seeking?
A: Sensation seeking is a personality trait characterized by a desire for novel, intense, and varied experiences. Individuals who engage in sensation seeking behavior often prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term consequences.
Q: What is the relationship between CFC and sensation seeking?
A: The study found that CFC has a significant effect on sensation seeking. Individuals who pay more attention to future consequences tend to make wiser decisions in consuming alcohol and are more likely to avoid risky behavior that can endanger themselves.
Q: What is the relationship between self-control and sensation seeking?
A: The study found that self-control does not show a significant effect on sensation seeking. This suggests that even though individuals have good self-control, they may still be involved in sensation search behavior.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: The implications of this study indicate that interventions that focus on increasing awareness of the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption can be more effective in reducing sensation search behavior. Public health education and prevention programs that emphasize understanding of future consequences can help reduce excessive alcohol consumption rates and negative impacts.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The study has several limitations, including the use of an accidental sampling method, reliance on self-reported data, and focus on a specific population (early adult individuals aged between 18 and 40 years).
Q: What are the future directions for this research?
A: Future studies can build on this research by examining the relationship between CFC, self-control, and sensation seeking in different populations, developing and testing interventions that target CFC and self-control, and investigating the neural mechanisms underlying CFC and self-control.
Q: What are the practical applications of this study?
A: The practical applications of this study include the development of targeted interventions for individuals with low CFC and self-control, the integration of CFC and self-control into public health education and prevention programs, and the use of CFC and self-control as predictors of sensation seeking behavior.
Q: How can individuals apply the findings of this study to their own lives?
A: Individuals can apply the findings of this study by paying more attention to the potential consequences of their actions, developing self-control strategies to regulate their behavior, and seeking help if they are struggling with sensation seeking behavior.
Q: What are the potential risks and benefits of this study?
A: The potential risks of this study include the potential for individuals to become aware of their own sensation seeking behavior and feel motivated to change, but also potentially feeling overwhelmed or anxious about their behavior. The potential benefits of this study include the development of more effective interventions to reduce sensation seeking behavior and the promotion of public health education and prevention programs.
Q: How can individuals get involved in reducing sensation seeking behavior?
A: Individuals can get involved in reducing sensation seeking behavior by seeking help from a mental health professional, joining a support group, and participating in public health education and prevention programs.