The Paradox of Positive Emotions in the LGBTQIA+ Community: Examining Relationships with Alcohol Misuse and Interpersonal Support.

Abstract

Background: LGBTQIA+ community members report greater risks for alcohol misuse problems. In response, researchers are encouraged to identify protective factors in the development of prevention programming. Namely, it is important to deconstruct how LGBTQIA+ individuals use support mechanisms to buffer the effects of risk factors (positive emotions) on alcohol misuse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether social support indices moderated the relationship between positive emotions and alcohol misuse.

Methods: A community sample of 169 LGBTQIA+ individuals completed a series of self-report measures. Participants were administered the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Modified Differential Emotions Scale, and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12.

Results: Findings indicate a positive relationship between positive emotions and alcohol misuse. However, this relationship varied as a function of perceived social support indices (appraisal, belonging, tangible). Specifically, at high levels of social support indices, the relationship between positive emotions and alcohol misuse was non-significant.

Conclusions: These findings indicate social support meets preliminary methodological criteria for a protective factor to alcohol misuse. Moving forward, it is important for research to develop and evaluate social support interventions designed to leverage the psychological benefits of positive emotions in reducing risk to alcohol-related problems within the LGBTQIA+ community.