Related Experiment Videos
Approach and avoidance coping responses among older problem and nonproblem drinkers
R H Moos1, P L Brennan, M R Fondacaro
1Social Ecology Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Palo Alto, California 94304.
Psychology and Aging
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Older problem drinkers utilize more avoidance coping strategies than nonproblem drinkers. Resource availability influences coping choices, with avoidance linked to increased drinking problems and negative health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Older adults face unique stressors.
- Problem drinking in older adults is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine coping responses in older problem drinkers versus nonproblem drinkers.
- To investigate the relationship between coping strategies, life stressors, resources, and problem severity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Coping Responses Inventory (CRI) to assess coping strategies.
- Categorized coping by focus (approach/avoidance) and method (cognitive/behavioral).
- Compared coping patterns between older problem and nonproblem drinkers.
Main Results:
- Older problem drinkers more frequently employed cognitive and behavioral avoidance coping.
- Increased negative life events and stress severity correlated with both approach and avoidance coping.
- Greater financial/social resources were associated with more approach and less avoidance coping.
- Higher reliance on avoidance coping linked to more severe drinking problems, depression, physical symptoms, and lower self-confidence.
- Positive reappraisal was linked to reduced depression and increased self-confidence.
Conclusions:
- Older problem drinkers disproportionately use avoidance coping strategies.
- Coping strategies are influenced by life stressors and available resources.
- Avoidance coping is associated with poorer outcomes in older problem drinkers.