Abstract (300 words maximum)
Several studies have shown that there is a bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and depression. This implies that they can increase their risk of the other disorder, exist simultaneously, and/or worsen one another. Alcohol, a psychoactive substance that can be highly addictive, plays a prominent role in American culture. It’s concerning that the normalization of bad habits related to alcohol consumption often blinds Americans to the potential harm they’re causing to their bodies. Alcohol is used regularly as a coping mechanism, so there is an overlap between people with depression and people who consume alcohol regularly. But it is considered to be a depressant, a substance responsible for suppressing stimulation and arousal in the brain. Depression is a very common type of mental health disorder and cannot be narrowed down to one single cause. Depression can lead to detrimental health and behavioral problems if left untreated. The goal for this research is to examine whether there is a relationship between alcohol consumption/ abuse and depression. The data used was extracted from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, collected from interviewers asking a series of questions that were related to mental health and alcoholism. This survey was conducted across all fifty states and was checked for accuracy. Social influence may have impacted an individual’s response, especially revolving around mental illness. Once the study is concluded, the expectation is to find a relationship. We hypothesize there will be a strong relationship between the two variables. The purpose of this study is to inform people who are predisposed to depression and raise awareness of the fact that they could potentially increase their risk if they consume alcohol regularly. It also aims to promote a healthier relationship with alcohol for Americans by informing them of the possible dangers.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Health Promotion and Physical Education
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Kevin Gittner
An Analysis of The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Depression
Several studies have shown that there is a bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and depression. This implies that they can increase their risk of the other disorder, exist simultaneously, and/or worsen one another. Alcohol, a psychoactive substance that can be highly addictive, plays a prominent role in American culture. It’s concerning that the normalization of bad habits related to alcohol consumption often blinds Americans to the potential harm they’re causing to their bodies. Alcohol is used regularly as a coping mechanism, so there is an overlap between people with depression and people who consume alcohol regularly. But it is considered to be a depressant, a substance responsible for suppressing stimulation and arousal in the brain. Depression is a very common type of mental health disorder and cannot be narrowed down to one single cause. Depression can lead to detrimental health and behavioral problems if left untreated. The goal for this research is to examine whether there is a relationship between alcohol consumption/ abuse and depression. The data used was extracted from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, collected from interviewers asking a series of questions that were related to mental health and alcoholism. This survey was conducted across all fifty states and was checked for accuracy. Social influence may have impacted an individual’s response, especially revolving around mental illness. Once the study is concluded, the expectation is to find a relationship. We hypothesize there will be a strong relationship between the two variables. The purpose of this study is to inform people who are predisposed to depression and raise awareness of the fact that they could potentially increase their risk if they consume alcohol regularly. It also aims to promote a healthier relationship with alcohol for Americans by informing them of the possible dangers.