The Effect of Problem Drinking on Mental Health in Adults: Focused on the Mediating Effect of the Interpersonal Competency

Abstract

Adequate drinking has a positive effect on interpersonal relationships and mental health, but if it is not controlled, it can cause various psychosocial side effects. The purpose of this study is to check the effect of problem drinking on mental health and to verify the mediating effects of interpersonal competency in the relationship between problem drinking and mental health in adults. For the analysis of this research, through nationwide quota sample, analysis through structural equation modeling was conducted using data from 549 adults in their 20s and 30s. The findings of this study were as follows. First, problem drinking has a direct positive effect on mental health. Second, interpersonal competency has a negative effect on mental health. Finally, interpersonal competency had a partial mediating effect between problem drinking and mental health. Based on these results, the present study discussed practical suggestions to improve interpersonal competency and mental health and to alleviate problem drinking in adult in their 20’s and 30’s.