Does Pre-Retirement Anxiety Lead to Alcohol Use? Moderating Role of Self-Efficacy Belief

Abstract

Facing retirement can evoke significant fears and anxiety about the unknown, which may lead some individuals to adopt maladaptive coping strategies such as increased alcohol consumption. These behaviors are often driven by the perception of losing control or uncertainty about the future. However, a person’s belief in their ability to effectively manage retirement-related challenges, termed self-efficacy, can serve as a protective factor. This study investigates how self-efficacy moderates the relationship between retirement anxiety and alcohol use among 164 employees nearing their retirement age. Utilizing advanced regression analysis techniques, the results showed that higher levels of retirement anxiety are associated with greater alcohol use. Importantly, individuals with strong self-efficacy beliefs demonstrated a reduced likelihood of turning to alcohol despite experiencing retirement-related worries. The findings highlight the crucial role of boosting self-efficacy in pre-retirement programs to help employees better cope with retirement fears and reduce the risk of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms.