deVisser_etal_15_DryJanuary_accepted.pdf (524.42 kB)
The growth of ‘Dry January’: promoting participation and the benefits of participation
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 23:17 authored by Richard De VisserRichard De Visser, Emily Robinson, Tom Smith, Gemma Cass, Matthew WalmsleyThis article explores contributors to the rapid growth of the annual UK alcohol abstinence challenge ‘Dry January’ and the benefits of registration. Evidence from four sources is presented: (i) registrations via the Dry January website, (ii) surveys of population-representative samples of drinkers, (iii) surveys of Dry January registrants and (iv) surveys of a control group of drinkers who wanted to change to their drinking behaviour but had not registered for Dry January. The data revealed that Dry January registrations increased 15-fold in 4 years. Participants reported that encouragement received from Dry January helped them to avoid drinking. Comparisons of Dry January registrants to the control group suggest that registering for Dry January reduced problematic drinking and enhanced the capacity to refuse alcohol. The four sources of data suggest that ‘social contagion’ and ‘diffusion’ have aided the growth of the awareness, appeal and practice of Dry January.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
European Journal of Public HealthISSN
1101-1262Publisher
Oxford University PressExternal DOI
Issue
5Volume
27Page range
929-931Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-03-11First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-03-11First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-03-10Usage metrics
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