Many young adults mature out of heavy alcohol use following graduation. This is not the case for everyone; for some, those heavy alcohol use patterns follow them outside of their time at college. Some studies suggest interpersonal stressors to be a significant contributor to this continuation of heavy alcohol use. There is an importance to examining if it is the stressful translational events that unfold after college that lead to this continuation of heavy alcohol use. This study examines the unique influences of chronic and episodic friendship-related stress in predicting college to post-college changes in drinking levels and motivation.
This study consisted of 1,139 participants, all moderate to heavy-drinking college students at a large university in the United States. Friendship and Social Life Chronic and Episodic Stress were measured using the UCLA Life stress interview. Chronic stress, episodic stress, drinking motivations, drinking, and heavy drinking proportion were measured throughout this study. When someone’s life deteriorates after adverse friendship events, their drinking levels may decrease due to less socializing; it is also possible that these stressors may also promote social drinking or increase motivation.
Results of this study showed that chronic friendship/social stress is associated with post-college drinking to cope. This study also highlights loneliness associated with increased alcohol use in solitary settings and decreased alcohol use in social settings over time. This is because when individuals are facing chronic friendship/social stress, their feeling of loneliness often increases. Overall, emerging adults who are experiencing friendship stress are more likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, which increases their risk for alcohol-related problems.
Takeaway: Emerging adults who are experiencing friendship stress are more significantly likely to use alcohol as a coping mechanism, which increases their risk for alcohol-related problems.