title: Coping motives as a mediator of the relationship between sexual coercion and problem drinking in college students.
abstract: Sexually coercive experiences, heavy alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems occur at relatively high base rates in college populations. As suggested by the self-medication hypothesis, alcohol consumption may be a means by which one can reduce negative affect or stress related to experiences of sexual coercion. However, few studies have directly tested the hypothesis that coping motives for drinking mediate the relation between sexual assault and problem drinking behaviors, and no published studies have tested this in men. The current study tested this hypothesis using structural equation modeling in a sample of 780 male and female undergraduates. Results revealed that coping motives partially mediated the relation between sexual coercion and drinking and alcohol-related negative consequences. In addition, direct and indirect paths between sexual coercion and drinking were found for men whereas only indirect paths were found for women. Results provide support for self-medication models of drinking and suggest the importance of exploring gender differences in mechanisms for drinking.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 126 Heyne Building, Houston, TX 77204, USA. nicole.fossos@gmail.com
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Fossos
authors: Debra
authors: D
authors: Kaysen
authors: Clayton
authors: C
authors: Neighbors
authors: Kristen P
authors: KP
authors: Lindgren
authors: M Christina
authors: MC
authors: Hove
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D003068:Coercion; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities