Alcohol Use Risk Among Relatives of People with Mental Illness
Author Information
Author(s): McKeag Suzanne A., Flett Gordon L., Goldberg Joel O.
Primary Institution: Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Hypothesis
Alcohol overuse might be associated with an increased sense of anti-mattering and a reduced sense of mattering among family members living with relatives who have mental illness.
Conclusion
Family members who engage in hazardous drinking feel significantly less important and experience higher levels of hopelessness and stigma.
Supporting Evidence
- Hazardous alcohol use was three times higher than the general population.
- Participants who drank hazardously reported feeling less supported by significant others.
- Those who drank hazardously experienced significantly more stigma and problems with mental health services.
Takeaway
This study found that family members living with someone who has a mental illness often drink too much alcohol because they feel like they don't matter to others.
Methodology
Participants completed an online survey using the AUDIT alcohol screening measure to classify their alcohol use risk.
Potential Biases
The study relied on self-reported data regarding relatives' mental illnesses, which were not independently verified.
Limitations
Participants were recruited from support organizations, which may have led to selection bias and an underestimation of alcohol problems.
Participant Demographics
Participants included parents, siblings, adult children, and spouses of individuals with mental illness, with a mean age of 51.9 years for the No–Low Risk group and 29.1 years for the Hazardous Drinking group.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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