University of Sussex
Browse
Graber_etal_15.pdf (539.51 kB)

Staying in the 'sweet spot': a resilience-based analysis of the lived experience of low-risk drinking and abstention among British youth

Download (539.51 kB)
Version 2 2023-06-12, 06:36
Version 1 2023-06-08, 21:37
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 06:36 authored by Rebecca Graber, Richard De VisserRichard De Visser, Charles Abraham, Anjum MemonAnjum Memon, Angie Hart, Kate Hunt
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to understand how and why young people drink less or not at all when with their peers. Understanding the subjective experiences of moderate or non-drinkers may help identify protective processes facilitating resilience to cultural norm and influences that encourage excessive alcohol consumption among young people. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 moderate- or non-drinkers aged 17-25 years (13 young women) living in South East England. Interviews explored recent experiences of social situations and encounters that did or did not involve alcohol. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS Analysis identified six conceptually coherent themes clustering within a superordinate theme of a healthy experience of moderate alcohol use or abstention: 'the sweet spot'. These themes were: feeling good in the body, feeling like you can be who you are, feeling like you belong, making a free choice, enjoying the moment, and feeling safe and secure. CONCLUSIONS This resilience-based analysis showed how non-drinking and moderate-drinking may be experienced as a positive and proactive choice. Understanding the subjective experiences of young people may aid development of specific, realistic interventions to promote moderate drinking and abstention among young people in drinking cultures.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Psychology and Health

ISSN

0887-0446

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

1

Volume

31

Page range

79-99

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2015-07-14

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-07-13

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2015-07-14

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC