DE_VISSER_Psychology_and_Health_FEB_2020_author_copy.pdf (579.87 kB)
Temporary abstinence during dry January: predictors of success; impact on well-being and self-efficacy
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posted on 2023-06-09, 20:44 authored by Richard De VisserRichard De Visser, James NichollsBackground: Temporary alcohol abstinence conveys physiological benefits. Less well-known are its effects on well-being and general self-efficacy (GSE), and how use of support during alcohol abstinence challenges affects success rates. Methods: In this study, 4232 adults participating in ‘Dry January’ completed a baseline questionnaire and a 1-month follow-up questionnaire. Key follow-up variables related to whether respondents completed the abstinence challenge, their use of support provided by Dry January, and changes in well-being and GSE. Analyses also examined whether well-being and GSE explained variance in the likelihood of completing Dry January not accounted for by other variables known to be associated with successful attempts at Dry January. Results: Participation in Dry January was associated with increases in well-being and GSE among all respondents: these changes were larger among people who successfully completed the challenge. In multivariate analysis, greater use of email support was a significant independent correlate of completing Dry January. Conclusions: This paper adds to growing evidence that support provided through organised abstinence challenges is associated with changes in beliefs linked to harmful drinking. However, there is a need for further research to help us to understand what forms of support are most effective for different drinkers.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Psychology & HealthISSN
0887-0446Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Page range
1-13Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-02-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-03-28First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-02-26Usage metrics
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