The influence of perceived social support on the relationship between family history of alcoholism and drinking behaviors.

The present study examined the effect that perceived social support has on the relationship between having a family history of alcoholism and alcohol use in a sample of 85 adult children of alcoholics and a control group (n = 68). Social support from both peers and from family members were assessed for their potential differential effects. Gender differences were also examined. Overall, perceived social support from friends significantly moderated the relationship between family history of alcoholism and several indicators of alcohol use. In contrast, perceived social support from family members did not moderate any of the relationships examined. These findings emphasize the importance of considering different sources of social support when using social support as a moderating variable and the need to examine the underlying processes and variables involved in the relationship between having a family history of alcoholism and alcohol use.