The Relationship between Meaning in Life and Harmful Drinking: Emotion Dysregulation as a Mediator

Brunotte, Ira (2023) The Relationship between Meaning in Life and Harmful Drinking: Emotion Dysregulation as a Mediator. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

To explain the relationship between low Meaning in Life (MiL) and harmful drinking, emotion dysregulation (ED) has been proposed as a potential mediator. This implies that low MiL results in ED which in turn may promote alcohol use as means to cope with negative affect. The current study aimed to investigate the association between MiL and harmful drinking (assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test; AUDIT), mediated by ED. The Presence-subscale of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ-P) was used as the primary measure and the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale (MEMS) as a secondary scale that differentiates between three subcomponents of MiL (i.e., comprehension, purpose, mattering). The data acquisition took place on Prolific. The participants (N= 479) filled out questionnaires measuring MiL, ED, and AUDIT. The bivariate correlations indicated a significant negative relationship between MiL and ED, as well as, as significant positive association between ED and AUDIT. The bivariate correlation between MiL and AUDIT was negative but insignificant. Moreover, the correlations showed no meaningful difference between the MLQ-P and MEMS in relation to AUDIT. Subsequently, the mediation analysis revealed an indirect effect, supporting ED as a mediator between MiL and AUDIT. However, the absence of a total effect of MiL on AUDIT indicates a relationship that is not straightforward. We conclude that interventions aiming to improve ED and harmful drinking should take MiL into account. Research examining the link between MiL and harmful drinking in different populations is required to gain further insight. Keywords: Meaning in life, emotion dysregulation, harmful drinking

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Jong, P.J. de
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Psychology (CP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2023 11:29
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2023 11:29
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2666

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