An examination of the associations between depressive symptoms, perceived parental discipline, alcohol use, and drinking-related consequences during the first year of college: A moderated mediation model

BACKGROUND: Depression is prevalent among adolescents and young adults and is associated with experiencing increased negative alcohol-related consequences; thus, it is imperative to identify malleable protective factors for alcohol risks in young adults experiencing elevated depressive symptoms. The current study longitudinally explored the effects of perceived parental alcohol-related discipline on the relationship between depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and negative drinking consequences during the transition into college. METHODS: Incoming college students (N = 272, 63.2% female) completed web-based surveys before (July, T1) and after (October, T2) the transition into college and reported depressive symptoms, perceived alcohol-related discipline, alcohol use, and consequences of drinking experienced in the past 30 days. RESULTS: The moderated mediation model revealed that at above average perceptions of alcohol-related discipline, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with alcohol use, which in turn was associated with experiencing fewer negative consequences of drinking. LIMITATIONS: The current study did not measure a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and therefore our results may differ among clinical populations. In addition, we did not measure other parenting constructs shown to protect students with elevated levels of depressive symptoms from experiencing consequences (i.e., monitoring). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest perceptions of parental alcohol-related discipline measured here (e.g., having a privilege taken away, being scolded or grounded) can be protective against alcohol risks among college students experiencing above average depressive symptoms. Parent-based alcohol interventions administered prior to matriculation should encourage parents of depressed students to clearly communicate consequences for drinking to their child.