History of Childhood Physical Abuse and Current Risky Drinking: The Role of Coping Motives

Authors

H. Addison Lowery, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
Deepali M. Dhruve, Mississippi State University
Arazais D. Oliveros, Mississippi State UniversityFollow

ORCID

Arazais D Oliveros: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8111-2658

Abstract

A childhood history of physical abuse is associated with increased risky drinking in adolescence, and a two-fold risk of alcohol dependence. Research on substance use disorders (SUD) suggests that people who drink with the motivation to cope with their emotions face a greater risk of SUD. Given that childhood physical abuse is associated with emotional difficulties, the current study examined the interplay between childhood physical discipline (inclusive of abuse) and coping motives in predicting risky drinking. Specifically, we expected ratings of childhood physical discipline and current risky drinking to be associated positively and for that relation to be mediated (explained) to some extent by their motivation to drink for emotional coping.

Publication Date

2020

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Recommended Citation

Lowery, H., Dhruve, D. & Oliveros, A. (2020, April). History of childhood physical discipline and risky drinking: The role of coping motives. Poster accepted for presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mississippi State University, MS. (Symposium cancelled due to global pandemic).