Alcohol dependence is a major social and public health issue that affects not only individuals but also their families, particularly spouses who experience significant psychological and emotional challenges. The present quantitative study titled “Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies among Wives of Alcohol-Dependent Individuals in India: A Quantitative Analysis of Socio-Demographic Determinants” aimed to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, identify coping strategies, and examine the association between socio-demographic factors and psychological distress among wives of alcohol-dependent individuals.
A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted among 100 wives of alcohol-dependent individuals selected through purposive sampling from selected de-addiction centres, psychiatric clinics, and community settings in Chennai City, Tamil Nadu, India. Data were collected using a socio-demographic profile, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Brief COPE Inventory. The collected data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.
The findings revealed that psychological distress was highly prevalent among respondents. About 30% experienced severe depression, 35% reported severe anxiety, and 30% experienced severe stress. Religious coping (35%) was the most commonly adopted coping strategy, followed by emotional support (22%). Significant associations were found between family income and depression (χ² = 8.72, p < 0.05) and between family income and anxiety (χ² = 10.25, p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in depression scores based on family type and stress levels based on educational qualification. Correlation analysis showed that better coping strategies were significantly associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Regression analysis revealed that socio-demographic factors and coping strategies significantly predicted psychological distress.
The study concludes that wives of alcohol-dependent individuals experience considerable psychological burden and require comprehensive psychosocial support. Strengthening counselling services, family-based interventions, coping skill training, and economic empowerment programmes may improve their psychological well-being and quality of life.
Publication Date: 2026-06-23