Prevent the blue, be true to you: Authenticity buffers the negative impact of loneliness on alcohol-related problems, physical symptoms, and depressive and anxiety symptoms.
This study investigated authenticity as a moderator of the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms, anxiety, physical symptoms, and alcohol-related problems. It was expected that loneliness and health outcomes would be negatively related and that relationship would be weaker among those higher in authenticity. Significant interactions emerged between authenticity and loneliness for each outcome such that authenticity mitigated the relationship between higher loneliness and negative health outcomes. Results suggest that authenticity may be an underutilized resource for lonely individuals and warrants future investigation. The potential implications are diverse and could be incorporated in college adjustment and health promotion programs.
1 Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, VA Health Services Research and Development Center, USA.|2 University of Houston, USA.
Jennifer L
JL
Bryan
2 University of Houston, USA.
Zachary G
ZG
Baker
2 University of Houston, USA.
Reese Yw
RY
Tou
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D015206:Southwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
alcohol; anxiety; authenticity; depression; loneliness