Drinking and Dating: Examining the Link Among Relationship Satisfaction, Hazardous Drinking, and Readiness-to-Change in College Dating Relationships

Abstract

The present study examined the influence of relationship satisfaction on readiness-to-change alcohol use and the influence of hazardous drinking on readiness-to-change relationship issues in college student dating relationships. A sample of 219 college students in a current dating relationship (aged 18–25) completed self-report measures of dating relationship satisfaction, alcohol use, readiness-to-change alcohol use, and readiness-to-change relationship issues via an online survey from August to December 2011. Participants were grouped on the basis of their scores on measures of alcohol use (hazardous drinkers vs. nonhazardous drinkers) and relationship satisfaction (high vs. low). Results indicated that alcohol use was negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, hazardous drinkers with high relationship satisfaction indicated more readiness-to-change alcohol use than hazardous drinkers with low relationship satisfaction. Alcohol problems were not related to readiness-to-change relationship issues. These findings indicate that highly satisfied dating relationships during college may positively influence readiness-to-change heavy drinking habits among college students.

Alcohol Use and Risk Factors for Sexual Aggression: Differences According to Relationship Status

“…Results indicated that single individuals and those in casual relationships reported a higher percentage of personal alcohol use during sexual situations within the past year compared with those in committed relationships. These findings converge with previous research that suggests that involvement in committed relationships serves as a protective factor against maladaptive health behaviors, such as alcohol use (e.g., Khaddouma et al, 2016; R. G. Thompson et al, 2014;Whitton et al, 2013). These findings should be understood in the context in which this study was conducted.…”

“…However, a socialization effect may also occur, such that romantic partners can also motivate each other to engage in healthy behaviors, particularly those that can benefit the relationship. For instance, risky drug and alcohol use can negatively affect interactions between romantic partners, perhaps motivating each to reduce unhealthy behaviors to improve their relationship quality (Duncan, Wilkerson, & England, 2006; Khaddouma et al, 2016; Lewis & Butterfield, 2007). High-quality romantic relationships in and of themselves also provide mutual intimacy and support, which are vital to well adjustment in individual development particularly for emerging adults—the developmental period between 18 and 25 years (Arnett, 2004).…”

Self-reported history and saliva analyses of recreational drug use among students in a public university in Mombasa, Kenya

“…Findings on association between third year of study and drug use are comparable to an eight year longitudinal analysis in Mid-Atlantic that reported highest annual peak of marijuana use in year three of study (8). This could be attributed to factors like academic-related stress (24), poor social skills thus increased vulnerability to peer pressure to use drugs (25), limited physical activities (26) and poor quality dating relationships (27). All the aforementioned factors combined increased vulnerability to stress and depression which in turn heightens drug use as a form of self medication.…”

Relationship Satisfaction Pada Mahasiswa Yang Berpacaran Ditinjau Dari Perilaku Phubbing

“…Individu yang merasa puas dengan hubungannya atau merasakan relationship satisfaction akan memiliki kesehatan mental yang lebih baik, lebih siap dalam menghadapi masa depan dan memiliki kesiapan yang tinggi untuk mengubah perilaku buruk menjadi lebih baik demi pasangannya (Khaddaouma et al, 2016). Selain itu, individu yang merasakan relationship satisfaction akan merasakan konteks hidup secara positif dan memberikan manfaat bagi kesehatan mental yang berupa adanya kebahagiaan dan kesehatan fisik (Whisman, Uebelacker, & Settles, 2010).…”