Social Rejection By Those Closest To You Can Lead To Subsequent Drinking

Social Rejection By Those Closest To You Can Lead To Subsequent Drinking

ArticlePress release
Behavioral & Mental Health
Current Medical News
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMar 20, 2017

The need to belong and experience social connections is a fundamental human characteristic. Prior research has shown that social rejection is linked to increases in negative emotions, distress, and hostility. This study examined the impact of social rejection on alcohol use, and whether the impact differed when the social rejection was by close others, such as friends, spouses or family members, or by strangers or acquaintances.

Researchers gathered data from 77 community participants (41 women, 36 men) who used their smartphones to record their social interactions and alcohol use for 14 consecutive days. The analysis examined associations between rejection experiences and daily alcohol use.

Findings indicated that the type of relationship may be a key factor in whether or not social rejection leads to drinking. More specifically, on days characterized by rejection by close others, the likelihood of drinking significantly increased. In contrast, on days characterized by rejection by acquaintances, there was no increase in the likelihood of drinking. This finding contrasts with laboratory studies of rejection that emphasize rejection and ostracism by strangers rather than known others.


Materials provided by Research Society on AlcoholismNote: Content may be edited for style and length.

Disclaimer: DoveMed is not responsible for the accuracy of the adapted version of news releases posted to DoveMed by contributing universities and institutions.

Primary Resource:

Laws, H. B., Ellerbeck, N. E., Rodrigues, A. S., Simmons, J. A., & Ansell, E. B. (2017). Social rejection and alcohol use in daily life. Alcoholism: clinical and experimental research. DOI: 10.1111/acer.13347

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

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