Unravelling the complexities of alcohol use in the context of loneliness and stress: a systematic review and proposed model.
M Puigcerver, L Hipólito, M A Serrano
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed 39 studies to explore the relationship between alcohol use, loneliness, and stress in adult, non-clinical populations. The findings indicated that stress consistently correlates with increased alcohol use, while the relationship between loneliness and alcohol outcomes varies significantly. The review suggests that psychological distress mediates the impact of social disconnection on drinking behaviors.
Key findings
- Stress showed the most consistent positive associations with higher alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.
- The relationship between loneliness and alcohol outcomes was heterogeneous, with some studies showing positive associations and others reporting null or inverse relations.
- The loneliness-distress association was identified as the most robust finding, indicating distress may mediate the influence of social disconnection on drinking.
Why it matters
Understanding the complex interplay between loneliness, stress, and alcohol use is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. Clinicians can better address emotional regulation and social connection in their patients, potentially reducing alcohol-related issues.
What to keep in mind
Measurement heterogeneity and population differences limited the comparability of findings across studies.