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The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stress on alcohol consumption and other avoidant coping strategies among college students. Two affective variables that may serve as risk factors underlying problem drinking and other avoidant coping styles are distress tolerance (DT) and anxiety sensitivity (AS). Additionally, two environmental factors that may buffer drinking and avoidant coping are experiences of support seeking and of support giving. Combining these risk and protective factors, this three-wave longitudinal study examined the extent to which DT, AS, support seeking, and support giving moderated the effect of stress change on alcohol consumption change and avoidant coping. The first phase of the study was conducted on all eligible participants (n = 300) at the beginning of the fall semester of 2019; the second phase was conducted on participants who remained in the study (n = 118) during the middle of the semester; and the final phase was conducted on the 85 participants who remained at the end of the semester. Results revealed that low DT was significantly correlated with high AS (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). However, stress change failed to predict alcohol use change and avoidant coping. Although none of the risk and protective factors demonstrated a moderating effect on the relationship between stress change and alcohol use change or avoidant coping, DT and AS were statistically significant independent predictors of avoidant coping. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]