A quantitative analysis of alcohol consumption and symptoms of anxiety amongst University of Malta students

Abstract

Anxiety is predominantly characterised by hypervigilance and is especially prevalent within a demographic of young adults. Symptoms are further heightened by stressful situations, such as academic stress and adjustments to university pressures. This becomes particularly problematic when there is a lack of effective and healthy coping mechanisms. Resorting to maladaptive coping mechanisms may increase the possibility of abusing alcohol for its anxiolytic effects. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain whether students are using alcohol to cope with anxiety symptoms. The study, which accumulated a total of 71 participants, was conducted by sharing an online questionnaire through social media. The questionnaire incorporated a set of demographic questions followed by a Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD7) test which assessed levels of anxiety symptoms, and an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) which assessed alcohol use. These scales were then followed by the Drinking Motives Questionnaire – Revised (DMQR), which assesses social, coping, enhancement, and conformity drinking motives; with particular emphasis directed towards coping motives. Furthermore, the Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol (CEOA) was also utilised to assess the effects anticipated when consuming alcohol. This was done with the objective of assessing tension reduction expectancies associated with alcohol. A direct link between symptoms of anxiety and alcohol use was not found, however, indirect relationships were present. Coping motives were the most highly correlated variable with anxiety symptoms and second highest with alcohol use. This suggests that alcohol consumption increases when symptoms of anxiety are present. Therefore, the alternative hypothesis may be accepted, as alcohol is being used as a means of coping with anxiety symptoms amongst University of Malta students.