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Staying in the 'sweet spot': a resilience-based analysis of the lived experience of low-risk drinking and abstention among British youth
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 HuntOBJECTIVE 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 HealthISSN
0887-0446Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
31Page range
79-99Department affiliated with
- Primary Care and Public Health Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-07-14First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-07-13First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-07-14Usage metrics
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