Abstract
Alcohol dependence (AD) is a serious social and public health concerns that creates complex, sensitive and challenging situations for the immediate partners. It adversely affects their personal lives, family and social relationships and eventually affects their coping abilities and mental health status. The study aims to assess the impact of stress on mental health and coping strategies used by the wives of alcohol dependent persons (WADP). A systematic database search for the review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and ProQuest identified twenty studies fulfilling inclusion criteria. The original research articles conducted in the last ten years among WADP were included. The review revealed that stress experienced by WADP was primarily attributed to their partners drinking behaviours. Most WADPs reported moderate to severe levels of stress, which had a detrimental impact on their mental health. Persistent stress resulted to mental health issues such as anxiety, depressed, loneliness, sleep disturbances, frustration, suicidal ideations and social shame, which affected their way of coping. While adaptive coping strategies helped in enhancing positive behaviours in persons with AUD and improving mental health of the WADP. Whereas maladaptive or avoidant coping strategies were associated with mental health problems and higher caregiving burden. To enhance the overall wellbeing of the wives of ADP, providing effective psychosocial interventions focusing on strengthening adaptive coping strategies are essential.
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Kerketta, E., Saha, A. Impact of Stress on Mental Health and Coping Strategies Adopted Among Indian Wives of Alcohol-Dependent Persons: A Narrative Review. J. Psychosoc. Rehabil. Ment. Health (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-025-00502-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-025-00502-x