AbstractAlthough stressful life events have been found to play a role in the development of a number of physical and psychiatric disorders, the research into their influence upon the harmful use of alcohol has been inconsistent. The published studies are reviewed in terms of the methods employed in data collection. It is concluded that a true test of the hypothesis that life events play an aetiological role in the development of the harmful use of alcohol has yet to be carried out, since valid and reliable techniques have not been used in assessing both life events and the onset of harmful use in any one study. Alternative procedures are suggested for use in future research.