Drinking Problems, Stress, Depression and Self-esteem of University Students

Ha, Ju Young

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify predictors on drinking problems of university students.
METHODS
The participants were 359 students by convenience sampling in P city. Data were collected from October 15 to December 20, 2007 using drinking problems questionnaire, Global assessment of recent stress scale, CES-D and self-esteem scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
There were positive correlations between stress and drinking problems, between depression and drinking problems. Also, there were negative correlations between stress and self-esteem, between depression and self-esteem. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, the most powerful predictor of drinking problems was depression.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that effective management of depression and stress can be considered when developing a prevention program of drinking problems for university students.