Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2016 Oct;64(7):535-44.
doi: 10.1080/07448481.2016.1191016. Epub 2016 May 24.

Different pathways explain alcohol-related problems in female and male college students

Paola Pedrelli  1 , Anahi Collado  2 , Benjamin G Shapero  1 , Charlotte Brill  3 , Laura MacPherson  2
Affiliations

Different pathways explain alcohol-related problems in female and male college students

Paola Pedrelli et al. J Am Coll Health. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: Comprehensive models elucidating the intricate associations of depressive symptoms, coping motives, alcohol use, alcohol-related problems (ARPs), and gender among young adults have been scarcely examined. This study investigated relationships among these variables and the effect of gender on these pathways.

Methods: College students (N = 163; 49.7% female) completed self-report measures on alcohol consumption, depressive symptoms, coping motives, and ARPs.

Results: Structural equation modeling showed that the association between depressive symptoms and ARPs was mediated by coping motives in both females and males. However, frequency of heavy alcohol use mediated the association between depressive symptoms and ARPs in females but not in males.

Conclusions: Different models explain the association between depressive symptoms and ARPs in male and female college students. Prevention programs aimed at reducing ARPs should focus on increasing alcohol screening among students with depressive symptoms, teaching coping skills, and emphasizing moderation in alcohol consumption.

Keywords: Alcohol-related problems; binge drinking; coping motives; depression; gender.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Model of pathways between depressive symptoms and alcohol-related problems.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Arnett JJ. Emerging adulthood. A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. Am Psychol. 2000 May;55(5):469–80. - PubMed
    1. Dawson DA, Grant BF, Stinson FS, Chou PS. Psychopathology associated with drinking and alcohol use disorders in the college and general adult populations. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2005;77(2):139–150. - PubMed
    1. American College Health Association. American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II: Undergraduate Reference Group Executive Summary. Hanover, MD: American College Health Association; Spring. 2012.
    1. Wechsler H, Davenport A, Dowdall G, Moeykens B, Castillo S. Health and behavioral consequences of binge drinking in college. A national survey of students at 140 campuses. JAMA. 1994;272:1672–1677. - PubMed
    1. Alcoholism, N.I.o.A.A.a. Moderate & Binge Drinking. 2013.

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources