ROLE OF PERCEIVED STRESS AND ABSENT INTERPERSONAL SUPPORT IN THE EXPLANATION OF ALCOHOL USE

Abstract

The study examined psychosocial explanations for alcohol use: role of perceived stress and interpersonal support. Participants were one hundred and eighty three (183) undergraduates drawn from University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. Cross sectional design was adopted. Three instruments were used for data collection Step wise multiple regression was the main statistic used for data analysis; and in testing the two hypotheses for the study. Results of the regression analyses showed that perceived stress was a significant predictor of alcohol involvement among undergraduates (p<.01). Interpersonal support did not significantly predict alcohol involvement among undergraduates. One good practical implication of the finding of this study is that when undergraduates perceive the normal hassles of training usually witnessed in the university as stressful; the more likely they would be involved in alcohol use. Limitations were made, while suggestions for further studies were stated.