You're Stressing Me Out: The Secondhand Effects of Alcohol

Abstract

Introduction: Secondhand effects of alcohol use (SEA) are adverse consequences experienced by an individual due to another's drinking (i.e., study/sleep interrupted, being insulted or humiliation, sexual assault or rape). SEA is a serious public health concern among college students due to its serious consequences and high prevalence (60-84%). The present study examined the associations among SEA, personal alcohol use, depression, anxiety, and stress. Methods: 836 students completed an online survey that assessed for study variables. Results: SEA significantly predicted all outcomes with those endorsing SEA reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, participants who endorsed SEA also reported 30% more frequent binge drinking and 18% more drinks on their heaviest reported drinking day. Conclusions: Findings indicate that the experience of SEA is a risk factor for poor mental and behavioral health outcomes among college students.

Keywords: Secondhand effects; alcohol use; anxiety; depression; stress; young adulthood.