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Gender differences in the relations between depressive symptoms and drinking behavior among problem drinkers: a
K K Schutte1, J Hearst, R H Moos
1Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, California 94304, USA.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Depression influences drinking, with reciprocal effects observed in men. For women, depression predicted increased alcohol consumption over time, highlighting gender differences in the depression-drinking relationship.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- The relationship between depression and alcohol use is complex and may differ by gender.
- Previous research suggests a stronger link between depression and drinking in women compared to men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reciprocal relationships between depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption over time.
- To examine gender differences in these longitudinal associations.
Main Methods:
- A 3-wave longitudinal study was conducted over 3 years.
- Participants included 207 women and 207 men seeking services for alcohol problems.
- Latent variable structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Baseline depression was associated with reduced alcohol consumption at 1-year follow-up for both genders.
- Increased depression predicted heavier alcohol consumption later, but only among women.
- Heavier alcohol consumption predicted increased subsequent depression in both genders, with gender-specific timing.
- Reciprocal effects between depression and drinking problems were identified exclusively in men.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between depression and alcohol consumption demonstrates significant gender differences.
- While depression predicts future drinking in women, reciprocal effects are more pronounced in men.
- Findings underscore the need for gender-tailored interventions for co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorders.