Further refining the stress-coping model of alcohol involvement

Informed by the optimal match hypothesis, the current study examined whether coping styles differentially moderate the relation between stress and alcohol use depending on the type of stressor experienced and coping style under consideration. Gender differences in these moderated relations were also examined. A sample of 83 college students completed surveys repeatedly administered over 1 month. Specificity in the roles of coping and stress in predicting heavy alcohol use was found. As compared to women, men were at greater risk for alcohol involvement associated with social adjustment and school problems given a limited active coping style. Men also showed greater alcohol involvement associated with relationship stress given a limited support seeking style but less heavy alcohol use was associated with relationship stress given a limited active coping style. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.