Motivations and Consequences of Alcohol Use Among Heavy Drinking Nonstudent Emerging Adults

Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael, Amy Hequembourg, Shana Pribesh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Research suggests that nonstudent emerging adults may be at elevated risk of alcohol-related problems in adulthood. The present study utilized a qualitative approach to broaden our understanding of the drinking-related perceptions and experiences of heavy drinking nonstudents, with the ultimate goal of generating meaningful knowledge that could aid intervention planning. Research aims were to identify nonstudent (a) drinking motivations and (b) drinking consequences. Eleven focus groups were conducted (n = 64 participants). Data analytic techniques were used to code transcripts and generate themes emerging from the group data. Three main themes emerged regarding nonstudent reasons for drinking (i.e., emotional, social, enhanced experiences). Four prominent themes were identified for drinking consequences (i.e., physical health, psychological health, risk-taking, life functioning). Our findings underscore several considerations related to intervening with this at-risk and understudied population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)667-695
Number of pages29
JournalJournal of Adolescent Research
Volume32
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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