Work

Upward social comparison on network and alcohol dependence in college students: the chain mediation impacts of relative deprivation and anxiety

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, contemporary society has placed growing emphasis on the alcohol drinking behavior of college students. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design to assess the relationship between upward social comparison (USC) on network and college students drinking behavior, while exploring the mediation impact of relative deprivation (RD) and anxiety. A total of 329 college students (Mage = 21.37 years old; 16.11% women) were enrolled to complete a set of questionnaires evaluating USC on network, RD, anxiety and alcohol dependence. RESULTS: The results showed that (1) USC on network, RD, anxiety and alcohol dependence were significantly, positively correlated in pairs, and (2) RD and anxiety exhibited a significant chain mediating role between USC on network and alcohol dependence, and USC on network positively predicted alcohol dependence via the mediating effect of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that USC on network positively predicts alcohol dependence via the mediating effect of anxiety, and that RD and anxiety play a chain-mediating role between USC on network and alcohol dependence.

Source: BMC Psychology

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-02259-7

Authors: Shuna Li, Kaijie Zhang, Kaizhen Kong, Hua Niu, Zhenli Jiang, Hongbo Guo

Institution: Shandong University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,790