Social Support, Depression, Drinking and Smoking in College and Working Females

Kim, Ok Soo; Kim, Kye Ha

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate social support, depression, drinking and smoking in college and working females. The convenience sample consisted of 169 college females and 133 working females. Data were collected from March to May, 2000. Social support was measured by the 6-item Social Support Questionnaire which assesses the size of the emotional social support network and satisfaction with social support. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale was utilized to measure the level of depression symptoms. The average number of drinks and cigarettes smoked per week during the previous month was assessed. Results indicated that college students had more social support than working females. However, there were no significant differences in satisfaction with their support, depression, drinking and smoking between two groups. College females who smoked cigarettes were more depressed and had less social support than those who did not smoke. Also college females who drank alcohol were more depressed than those who did not drink during the previous month. However, the level of social support and depression were not associated with drinking and smoking among working females. Based on the results, it is suggested the application of various interventions to deal with drinking and smoking behavior among college and working females.