An Examination of the Moderating Role of Depressive Symptoms in the Relationships Between Negative Affect, Interpersonal Stressors, and Alcohol Consequences in an Emerging Adult Population

Emerging adults (EAs) exhibit the highest prevalence of alcohol consequences compared to other age groups. Negative affect and interpersonal stressors contribute to increased alcohol consequences for EAs and are heightened among those with depression. The present study used baseline and daily diary data from 203 EAs (18 to 24 years; M = 21.15, SD = 1.91) over 30 days to test within-person hypotheses regarding depression, negative affect, interpersonal stressors, and alcohol consequences. Across participants, greater baseline depressive symptoms was associated with an increased likelihood of daily alcohol consequences. A moderation effect was observed such that the daily relationship between negative affect and alcohol consequences was significantly stronger among depressed participants compared to nondepressed participants. These findings highlight the role of depression as a facilitator of alcohol consequences on days when depressed EAs’ negative affect is higher. Interventions tailored to EAs with depression should consider the unique ways that negative affect contributes to problem drinking.M.A