An Examination of Depressive Symptoms and Drinking Patterns in First Year College Students

Abstract

Depression and alcohol use are often found in college students, particularly during their first year. The current study assessed the interrelationship of alcohol use and specific depression symptoms. A large sample (n = 869) of first year students were invited to participate via the Internet Results indicated that specific depression symptoms correlated with alcohol consumption. Self-reported heavy, problem drinkers experienced significantly higher Beck Depression Inventory scores than all other groups. Our findings higlight the importance of screening for both alcohol use and depressed mood in college students.

Prevalence and incidence of mental health problems among Dutch medical students and the study-related and personal risk factors: a longitudinal study

“…The study of Geisner (20) confirms this and indicates that non-drinking students reported more depressive symptoms than drinking students. They state that drinking could be a strategy to cope with the experienced demands or a reason for enhancing social activities.…”

“…In addition, social support is beneficial for dealing with stressful events and mental health problems (30) and therefore might influence the relationship between drinking behavior and mental health problems. However, either for social or coping reasons, excessive drinking behavior may lead to future mental health problems and other alcohol-related problems over time (20). Therefore, this finding emphasizes the importance of identifying students with excessive drinking behavior, providing insight into their health behavior and offering them guidance in effective coping strategies instead of drinking.…”

“…Yet, Haglund et al (19) suggest that negative life events are common but not associated with mental health problems among medical students. In addition, previous research recommends further examination of he relationship between drinking behavior (20), time spent working (18), worries about health (21) and mental health problems (3).…”

Evaluation of a brief Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Psychological Distress among Female Icelandic University Students

“…Psychological distress in general and symptoms of depression in particular, have been associated with lower academic achievement and detrimental health habits such as smoking and problem drinking among college students (Geisner, Mallett & Kilmer, 2012;Hysenbegasi, Hass, & Rowland, 2005;Kenney & Holahan, 2008;Mahmoud, Staten, Hall, & Lennie, 2012;Weitzman, 2004). Furthermore, physical illness and acute infectious illnesses have been associated with psychological distress in university students (Adams, Wharton, Quilter, & Hirsch, 2008;Rawson, Bloomer, & Kendall, 1994).…”

Designing and revising a cognitive behavioral group intervention for psychological distress among female university students

“…[13,[17][18][19] It is also important to note that psychological distress, especially symptoms of depression, have been associated with lower academic achievement among university students and adverse health habits, such as poor eating and sleeping habits, smoking and problem drinking and acute infectious illnesses in students. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Taken together, these findings indicate the importance of assessing and addressing psychological distress related to stress in students with effective interventions and to reduce maladaptive coping behavior. [4] 3.…”