Leiden University Student Repository

Villalvilla, Luna (2025)

Alcoholgebruik onder jongvolwassen mannen en vrouwen: De rol van ingrijpende jeugdervaringen en sociale steun

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

Young adults are more likely to engage in excessive alcohol use compared to other age groups, which could lead to an increase in health risks and the likelihood of addiction. One risk factor contributing to excessive alcohol use is experiencing adverse childhood experiences. Perceived social support could function as a buffer to these negative outcomes. This thesis examined if social support moderates the association between adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use among young adults, and whether these associations differ between men and women. Quantitative research was conducted among 125 participants from the THRIVE study, who completed validated questionnaires on adverse childhood experiences, perceived social support, and alcohol use. The results showed a negative association between adverse childhood experiences with lower levels of perceived social support. This negative association was stronger among men than women. In addition, results indicate that there is also a...Show moreYoung adults are more likely to engage in excessive alcohol use compared to other age groups, which could lead to an increase in health risks and the likelihood of addiction. One risk factor contributing to excessive alcohol use is experiencing adverse childhood experiences. Perceived social support could function as a buffer to these negative outcomes. This thesis examined if social support moderates the association between adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use among young adults, and whether these associations differ between men and women. Quantitative research was conducted among 125 participants from the THRIVE study, who completed validated questionnaires on adverse childhood experiences, perceived social support, and alcohol use. The results showed a negative association between adverse childhood experiences with lower levels of perceived social support. This negative association was stronger among men than women. In addition, results indicate that there is also a negative association between alcohol use and adverse childhood experiences, in which experiencing more adverse childhood experiences showed lower levels of alcohol use. This association was seen among women, and not men. No source of social support from friends, family or partners predicted alcohol use among young adults, nor was there evidence of a moderating effect of social support on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and alcohol use. These results provide insight into the role of social support in relation to adverse childhood experiences among young adults and gives a first insight in the differentiation between men and women. Furthermore, they highlight the impact of adverse childhood experiences on alcohol use and underscore the need for further research into the complex interaction between protective factors, including coping strategies, as well as contextual and cultural influences.Show less

Author

Villalvilla, Luna

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Orthopedagogiek

Supervisors

Buimer, E.E.L.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

nl