The Mediating Effect of Social Support on the Relationship between Mental Health and Problem Drinking in Middle Age : The Multiple Group Analysis by Gender

Objectives: This study attempted to verify the theoretical model of social support that mediates negative mental health and middle-aged problem drinking, which was not covered in previous studies, and to see if there is a difference according to gender. Methods: This study collected 360 middle-aged men and women aged 40 to 60 and analyzed them using SPSS 25.0 and AMOS 25.0. Frequency analysis and descriptive statistics were conducted to understand the characteristics of the main variables, and multi-group analysis according to mediating effects and gender was conducted through structural equation model verification. Results: First, negative mental health in middle age was found to have an effect on problem drinking. Second, there was a mediating effect of social support in the relationship between negative mental health and problem drinking in middle age. Third, it was found that there was a difference between groups according to gender in the influence of negative mental health in middle age on problem drinking through social support. Conclusion: Healing rehabilitation programs for negative mental health that affect problem drinking in middle age should be prepared. In addition, social networks in middle age should be explored and various social resources should be utilized. Various education and programs in the community should be prepared to provide customized services according to gender.