Alcohol use is a widespread issue among college students across the United States. A big factor that relates to this alcohol use is anxiety felt by students. In my research I have studied the relationship between anxiety and drinking motives. Further, I have researched the varying levels of anxiety across year in college. My research focuses on a big issue of mental health, anxiety, and how this relates to drinking on college campuses. This topic is extremely relevant because the push for a focus on the issues of mental health has only increased. It is important to examine the relationship between anxiety and drinking motives so that the misuse of alcohol can be decreased. Past research has found anxiety to be a positive predictor of alcohol use (Linden, Lau-Barraco, & Milletich, 2013). Anxiety is typically highest for college freshman (Pedrelli, Nyer, Yeung, Zulauf, & Wilens, 2014). Based on my research I am proposing a study to be conducted in the future to equally examine the levels of anxiety and alcohol use during every year in school for a college student. Based on my findings, I hope to bring attention to the issue of anxiety and drinking found on college campuses so that the proper precautions can be taken to minimize this issue. This study will be relevant to my career as I plan to continue my education after college at medical school, with a focus on psychiatry. I am particularly interested in mental health and the different coping mechanisms that are used. Anxiety is a predictor of alcohol use, which can turn into an unhealthy coping mechanism. With a focus on anxiety and alcohol use I hope I find ways to make college a more healthy experience for students.
Author: Mallory Millet
Faculty Advisor: Rose Marie Ward, Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health
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