Current rates of excessive alcohol use and abuse among young adults are recognized as a major problem by scholars across a wide variety of fields. Here, I take a social psychological approach to understanding why individuals drink to excess, examining the unique role that a specific form of social isolation called existential isolation (feeling alone in one’s experiences of the world; Yalom, 1980; Pinel, Long, Murdoch, & Helm, 2017) may play in predicting alcohol use and abuse. The relationship between existential isolation and alcohol use is explored using both correlational and cross-lagged designs. Results indicate that existential isolation predicts alcohol use above and beyond a more traditional measure of social isolation, though not in the hypothesized direction (i.e. social isolation is associated with more alcohol use, whereas existential isolation is associated with less). Further, negative emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and racial identity emerged as significant moderators of this effect. Exploratory analyses considering a reversal of the hypothesized causal direction (i.e. alcohol use now predicting feelings of existential isolation) revealed a significant two-way interaction between current and lifetime alcohol use and a significant three-way interaction between current alcohol use, desire for existential connection, and motivations to use alcohol for social purposes. Implications of these general findings are discussed, including that 1) they identify a seemingly positive outcome of drinking that may play a role in perpetuating problematic alcohol use, and 2) conversely, they may illustrate a “dark side of sobriety.” This research serves as a first step into distinguishing between aspects of social isolation in the realm of alcohol use and abuse. Future research is necessary in order to identify the mechanisms underlying this effect and inform the development of more effective alcohol-related interventions.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Department of Psychology, Committee on Human Development, December 2003. / CD-ROM reproduces p. 100-136 of dissertation. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2003. / Advisor: Dr. Zuoxin Wang, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Psychology. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Oct. 1, 2003). Includes bibliographical references.

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There is no abstract available for this thesis.

This exploratory study was designed to identify a range of variables distinguishing long-term unattached (LTU) from long-term committed (LTC) adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Specifically, it attempted to identify explanations for, and consequences of, long-term unattachment. / LTU subjects selected were those who had not been in a committed, intimate relationship for eight or more years; LTC subjects selected were those who had been in a marital, or equivalent, relationship for eight or more years. / The study was done in two parts. The preliminary study was qualitative and consisted of interviews of 14 subjects--seven LTUs and seven LTCs. LTU and LTC subjects were closely matched on demographic and socioeconomic variables. Emerging themes were added to the range of ideas from the review of literature. A questionnaire was developed from the comprehensive list of ideas. / The final study was quantitative; 77 subjects were administered the questionnaire designed for the study, as well as the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). LTUs' responses to the questionnaire and scores on the MCMI were compared with those of LTC subjects. All variables were subjected to discriminant function analysis, and univariate analysis. / The results showed that: (a) LTUs came from families characterized by significant separations and losses, distant relationships with parents, and little communication within the family; (b) LTUs felt significantly more alienated from others as children and adults than LTCs; (c) LTUs were significantly higher than LTCs on MCMI scales schizoid, avoidant, passive-aggressive, schizotypal, and borderline, i.e., scales of personalities characterized by problems with intimate, committed relationships; (d) LTUs were not significantly more influenced than LTCs by sociocultural changes such as the human potential movement, the women's liberation movement, and the emphasis on romance in our culture; and (e) LTUs suffered significantly more than LTCs from despair and lack of meaning in their lives, and lacked satisfying ways of meeting others with whom they would like to be involved. Implications, limitations of the study, and suggestions for future research are proffered.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Comilda S. Weinstock. Dissertation Committee: David Singer. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brandeis University, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 29, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. S.)--University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-44).