Age differences in alcohol and music consumption among Japanese nonproblem drinkers

Alcohol use and music use were examined in relation to emotion regulation; however, most studies examined these two factors separately. We examined how people of different ages drink alcohol and listen to music within the context of emotion regulation. The following survey data was analyzed among Japanese nonproblem drinkers (20-59 years, N = 1279): How often people drink alcohol and listen to music, Tendencies to use them when experiencing negative emotions, Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised, Brief Music in Mood Regulation Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Ten-Item Personality Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale. The results showed that younger adults tended to drink less than older adults. They listened to music more often when they were feeling negative emotions. Mediation analysis suggested younger adult's lower extraversion and lower positive reappraisal strategies were associated with higher stress levels, leading them to use music for diversion. Furthermore, people who consume alcohol to regulate emotions showed higher tendency to listen to music within the context of emotion regulation, which was the case for both younger and older participants. This study helps us understand how people of different ages use different methods to manage their emotions when faced with changes in their social and emotional environments.