https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5671-3200
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Abstract
Social connection consists of both the presence of and perceived closeness in social relationships. Perceptions of connection are thought to be particularly important in the development and treatment of excessive alcohol use. However, no review has delineated existing work regarding the prospective associations between perceived social connection and alcohol use and related problems. Therefore, the current study synthesized and qualitatively organized this area of research to inform theoretical models, clinical care, and future research. A Boolean search resulted in 2,356 articles and 70 met inclusion criteria, which consisted of a repeated measures design and the presence of a perceived social connection predictor variable and alcohol-related outcome variable. Study design features, methods of measurement, and main effects were extracted from included articles. Most studies used an observational design with an average follow-up period of 1.5 years. Variables related to perceived social connection were organized into four categories: perceived support, emotional intimacy, social rejection and acceptance, and social behaviors. Perceived support and intimacy were the most common predictor variables. Results suggested that perceptions of support, acceptance, and intimacy in close relationships may be salient vulnerability factors and/or intervention targets for excessive alcohol use and related difficulties. The findings also revealed gaps in the literature with regard to sample diversity and study design that warrant attention in future empirical work.
Acknowledgments and author bios
The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Brittany M. Mathes Winnicki
Brittany M. Mathes Winnicki (she/her) is a clinical psychologist at VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine. Areas of clinical and research expertise include trauma, substance use, and interpersonal functioning.
Zig Hinds
Zig Hinds, B.S. (they/them) is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Rosalind Franklin University. They were previously a research technician in the National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division. Areas of clinical and research interests include LGBTQ + health, minority stress, trauma, and substance use.
Noam G. Newberger
Noam G. Newberger, M.A. (he/him) is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Rhode Island. He was previously a research technician in the National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division. Areas of clinical and research interests include trauma and substance use.
Nicholas A. Livingston
Nicholas A. Livingston, PhD (he/him) is a research psychologist in the National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, and assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. Areas of clinical and research expertise include substance use disorder and treatment, SUD-PTSD comorbidity, and LGBTQ + health.