Social Support Buffers the Association Between Alcohol Use and Depression in Australian Men

Alcohol use and depression are known correlates of one another, especially in men, and are influenced by a range of demographic and psychosocial factors. This study examined the association between alcohol use and depressive symptoms in a large representative cohort of Australian men. We also tested whether this association differed by men's age, household income, social support, illicit drug use and help-seeking.

Citation:
Chhabra J, Wilson MJ, Benakovic R, Mancini V, Pilkington V, Seidler Z. Social Support Buffers the Association Between Alcohol Use and Depression in Australian Men. Health Promot J Aust. 2026;37(1).

Keywords:
Alcohol; depression; men's health; mental health; social support

Abstract:
Alcohol use and depression are known correlates of one another, especially in men, and are influenced by a range of demographic and psychosocial factors. This study examined the association between alcohol use and depressive symptoms in a large representative cohort of Australian men. We also tested whether this association differed by men's age, household income, social support, illicit drug use and help-seeking.