College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-14-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Joanna Buscemi, PhD

Second Advisor

Susan Tran, PhD

Abstract

Heavy alcohol use in emerging adults has several consequences, including increased risk-taking behaviors, cognitive deficits, and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Thus, it is important to understand risk factors and protective factors to heavy drinking. Experiencing life stressors may be associated with higher alcohol use in emerging adults, especially for historically marginalized populations. General social support, which may mitigate the impact of life stressors, tends to be a protective factor against drinking, although the literature is mixed on which types of relationships are considered protective. Between the support of family, friends, and significant others, it is unclear which relationships are associated with lower drinking levels and whether they moderate associations between life stressors and drinking. Thus, this study aims to explore which relationship types moderate the association between life stressors and alcohol consumption within a diverse sample. Participants completed a series of questionnaires to assess life stress, social support, and alcohol consumption, in addition to basic demographic information. A series of regression analyses were conducted using SPSS to better understand the relationship between these variables and any potential interaction between life stressors and social support on alcohol consumption. Results showed a significant positive relationship between total life stressors and both measures of alcohol consumption (total drinks consumed over a two-week period and greatest number of drinks consumed over a 2-hour period). There was a significant negative relationship between family support and both measures of alcohol consumption. Social support did not significantly moderate the relationship between life stressors and alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that targeting life stressors and family support can be useful in alcohol prevention and intervention programs.

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