Research projects
Home » Research » Projects » Risky Drinking
Exploratory study into underage 'risky' drinking
(completed)
Background
Definition: By ‘risky’ drinking, we are referring to excessive single-session drinking (otherwise termed ‘binge drinking’ or ‘risky single occasion drinking’) in unsupervised, often outdoor/hidden locations (away from the supervision of parents, bar staff in licensed premises, etc.). By ‘underage’ drinking, we are referring to those under 18 years old.
A literature review by Newburn and Shiner (2001) found increases in ‘risky’ drinking in young people. This is of some concern, due to the associated adverse short-term health and social consequences. The review concluded with 6 areas for future research. One of these was “young people's motivations for apparently ‘risky’ drinking’. There is a lack of research in the UK into the motivations behind this sort of drinking, particularly as the motivations behind ‘risky’ drinking may differ from those behind drinking in general. TSA has recently received a grant from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which will enable us to undertake research into this important issue. A better understanding of young people’s motivations behind ‘risky’ drinking will be very useful to health promotion experts, practitioners, policy-makers, and parents.
The Project
The project has 3 main aims:
- To explore the motivations for 'risky' drinking
- To identify the outcomes of 'risky' drinking
- To see whether motivations and outcomes vary by age, gender, socioeconomic status
64 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst a range of different young people according to their age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status and rural/urban residence. The 14-17 year olds were recruited from schools/colleges, Connexions, YOTs and youth clubs in the South-East of England.
Findings
Motivations for ‘risky’ drinking were grouped into three themes; social facilitation (an increase in confidence and enjoyment in social and sexual situations), individual benefits (to forget problems, for the ‘buzz’, and for ‘something to do’), and social norms and influences (wider social norms, peer influence and respect and image). Outcomes were grouped into three themes; health, safety and legal.
Timetable and Staffing
The project took place over a year from 1st April 2003. Dr Lester Coleman is the Project Manager. Suzanne Cater is the Research Officer. The report is currently being published, and will be available in autumn 2004.
Further information
If you would like to find out more about the project please contact Suzanne Cater (Research Officer) on 01273 647338 or scater@tsa.uk.com.
Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA),
23 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1WZ, UK.
Tel: 01273 693311 Fax: 01273 679907