The Effect of Perceived Stress on Drinking Problem of Korean College Students: From the Perspective of Escape Theory

Background: This study examined how the perceived stress of college students leads to drinking problems based on the Escape Theory.Methods: A total of 485 college students were surveyed. A moderated mediation analysis was used to test the hypotheses.Results: Since no significant correlation was found between perceived stress and drinking problem, the dependent variable was replaced with problematic drinking, a sub-factor of drinking problem. Escape from self fully mediated the relationship between perceived stress and problematic drinking. The interaction of perceived stress and dysfunctional self-focus was correlated with escape from self. Coping motives to drinking strengthened the pathways from escape from self to problematic drinking.Conclusions: This study shows the need for therapeutic interventions to curb college students’ drinking problems. This study’s significance and limitations are also discussed.