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Lund I, Moan IS, Halkjelsvik T. Alcohol-related sexual harassment in the workplace: A between and within industry analysis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1764-1772. [PMID: 37580956 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual harassment as a political/legal issue was revitalised by the #MeToo movement in 2017. We estimate the prevalence and development of alcohol-related sexual harassment (ASH) across industries over the years 2015 to 2021, including potential changes from 2017, and assess differences in the risk of ASH according to industry- and individual-level characteristics. METHODS Based on annual surveys (2015-2021) among employees in 21 Norwegian industries (observations N = 11,512, individuals N = 6353). Age range 20-69 years, 48% women. Associations between ASH and industry- and individual-level demographics, work autonomy, work-related drinking and intoxication were estimated in linear probability models RESULTS: ASH prevalence was 6% between 2015 and 2021 and varied between 4% and 13% across industries. Men showed a gradual increase in ASH from 2015 to 2021. The was no significant trend among women or a change after #MeToo. Industries with older employees, more women and frequent intoxication at work-related occasions had more ASH, while those with more highly educated employees had less. At the individual level, frequent work-related drinking occasions, tendency to get intoxicated at these occasions, being a woman and younger age were associated with more ASH. We found no individual- or industry-level association between work autonomy and ASH. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Annually, 6% of Norwegian employees experience alcohol-related sexual harassment in work-related settings. The risk of ASH is higher among employees who are young, female, frequently drink and drink to intoxication at work-related events, and that work in industries with older employees, more women, less formal education and frequent intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg Lund
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Synnøve Moan
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torleif Halkjelsvik
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Oslo, Norway
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Oesterle S, Bailey JA, Catalano RF, Epstein M, Evans-Whipp TJ, Toumbourou JW. Alcohol-Tolerant Workplace Environments Are a Risk Factor for Young Adult Alcohol Misuse on and off the Job in Australia and the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6725. [PMID: 37754585 PMCID: PMC10530761 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The workplace has been understudied as a setting for the prevention of young adult alcohol misuse. This study examined if alcohol-tolerant workplace environments are associated with greater risk for alcohol use and misuse on and off the job among young adults. Data were collected in 2014 from state-representative, sex-balanced samples (51% female) of 25-year-olds in Washington, U.S. (n = 751) and Victoria, Australia (n = 777). Logistic regressions indicated that availability of alcohol at work, absence of a written alcohol policy, and alcohol-tolerant workplace norms and attitudes were independently associated with a 1.5 to 3 times greater odds of on-the-job alcohol use or impairment. Alcohol-tolerant workplace norms were associated also with greater odds of high-risk drinking generally, independent of on-the-job alcohol use or impairment. Associations were mostly similar in Washington and Victoria, although young adults in Victoria perceived their workplaces to be more alcohol-tolerant and were more likely to use alcohol or be impaired at work and to misuse alcohol generally than young adults in Washington. Cross-nationally, workplace interventions that restrict the availability of alcohol, ban alcohol at work, and reduce alcohol-tolerant norms have the potential to prevent and reduce young adults' alcohol use and misuse on and off the job.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Oesterle
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 400 E. Van Buren St., Suite 801, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Bailey
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, 9725 Third Ave NE, Suite #401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA; (J.A.B.)
| | - Richard F. Catalano
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, 9725 Third Ave NE, Suite #401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA; (J.A.B.)
| | - Marina Epstein
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, 9725 Third Ave NE, Suite #401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA; (J.A.B.)
| | - Tracy J. Evans-Whipp
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- The University of Melbourne Department of Pediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - John W. Toumbourou
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Trinkoff AM, Selby VL, Baek H, Storr CL, Steele J, Han K. Workplace Exposures and Prescription Drug Misuse Among Nurses. J Nurs Adm 2022; 52:591-597. [PMID: 36252057 DOI: 10.1097/nna.0000000000001215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the association between workplace exposure and prescription drug misuse in nurses. BACKGROUND Studies have found RNs and other health providers have higher rates of prescription misuse than the general population and have suggested that workplace exposures along with excessive job demands create circumstances fostering misuse. METHODS Survey data from 1170 RNs on workplace exposures (availability, frequency of administration, knowledge of substances, and workplace controls) were described by workplace, position, and specialty. Exposures were then related to prescription drug misuse using logistic regression. RESULTS Each workplace exposure was associated with past year prescription drug misuse. An index combining all exposures was significantly related to misuse ( P = 0.001), and odds of misuse increased by 38% for each point increase in the exposure index. CONCLUSIONS Consideration of the health and well-being of nurses at higher odds of exposure to prescription drugs with misuse potential is warranted. Workplace support to help nurses maintain and restore their health should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Trinkoff
- Author Affiliations: Professor (Dr Trinkoff), Assistant Professor (Dr Selby), PhD Candidate (Ms Baek), Professor (Dr Storr), and PhD Student (Ms Steele), University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore; Professor (Dr Han), College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
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Martinez MW, Berglund K, Hensing G, Sundqvist K. Swedish Managers' and HR-Officers' Experiences and Perceptions of Participating in Alcohol Prevention Skills Training: A Qualitative Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:756343. [PMID: 35310249 PMCID: PMC8928198 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.756343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to explore Swedish managers' and HR-officers' experiences and perceptions of skills training including a development and implementation of an alcohol policy. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Swedish managers (n = 44) and HR-officers (n = 9) from nine different organizations whom had received skills training and an organizational policy implementation. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analyses. Results In total, nine themes were identified as: The prevalence of alcohol problems: a wake-up call; a reminder to intervene immediately; an altered view of the responsibility of the employer; initiating conversations about alcohol: a useful toolbox; an imprecise, yet positive, memory; increased awareness of issues related to alcohol culture; I have not heard a word about a new alcohol policy; the alcohol policy: a mere piece of paper; and alcohol problem prevention: hardly a low-hanging fruit. Participants' experiences of the skills training were positive overall. Conclusion Various aspects of the skills training were appreciated by managers and HR-officers, including insight of prevalence statistics and employer responsibilities. Participants emphasized the value of repeated skills training occasions for retaining knowledge. Future research may investigate further in what way skills training may affect managers' willingness to engage in workplace alcohol prevention. Since the implementation of any policy had gone unnoticed to participants, a reason for which could be related to the notion of the existing policy as "good enough" in its current condition, implementation and organizational issues, or a reluctance to address alcohol-related matters unless necessary; future research may focus on investigating in what manner alcohol policies are in fact utilized within organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristina Berglund
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Hensing
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bell D, Hadjiefthyvoulou F. Alcohol and drug use among bartenders: An at risk population? J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 139:108762. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Moan IS, Halkjelsvik T. Socio-demographic differences in alcohol-related work impairment. Addiction 2021; 116:771-779. [PMID: 32707598 DOI: 10.1111/add.15202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The costs of alcohol-related presenteeism (being at work in an impaired state due to alcohol use) have been estimated as substantially larger than the costs of alcohol-related absenteeism. Past studies indicate that employees with lower socio-economic status experience more alcohol-attributable problems than employees in higher socio-economic strata. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of alcohol-related presenteeism among Norwegian adults and its association with sex, age, income and education. DESIGN AND SETTING Annual national cross-sectional telephone surveys on alcohol, tobacco and drug use (2016-19) among Norwegian adults. PARTICIPANTS A total of 5430 full- and part-time employees aged 16-79 years; 53% were men. MEASUREMENTS The main outcome was self-reported 12-month occurrence of work impairment due to alcohol use the previous day. Main predictors were income and education obtained from national registries, age and gender. A secondary outcome variable was self-reported alcohol-related absenteeism. FINDINGS The 12-month prevalence of alcohol-related work impairment was 8.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.9, 9.4. Adjusted risk ratios (RR) indicated a higher risk for men compared with women (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.50) and higher risk for young employees (e.g. less than 26 years compared with 55+, RR = 7.64, 95% CI = 4.88, 11.95). The risk increased as a function of higher education (in order of increasing education, RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.87, 1.45; RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.26, 2.12; RR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.63, 2.95). The risk was estimated as lower in the middle-income categories compared with the lowest (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58, 1.00, RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.66, 1.20, RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.68, 1.29) and higher for employees with the highest income (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.73, 1.48; RR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.00). CONCLUSIONS In Norway, the risk of alcohol-related work impairment for employees in the highest education category is approximately twice that of employees with secondary education or less. Except for employees in the lowest income category, who had a higher risk than those in the middle-income categories, higher income is associated with increased risk of work impairment. Being younger and male are also associated with increased risk of alcohol-related work impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Synnøve Moan
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torleif Halkjelsvik
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Abuse of Licit and Illicit Psychoactive Substances in the Workplace: Medical, Toxicological, and Forensic Aspects. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030770. [PMID: 32178358 PMCID: PMC7141377 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
About one-third of adult life is spent in the workplace. The use of psychoactive substances is a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. The consumption of psychoactive substances during or outside working hours greatly increases the frequency and severity of labor accidents, as well as the workers’ poor general state of health and productivity, implying higher costs for enterprises. It is the responsibility of organizations to ensure the safety and health of their workers. These cannot be limited to traditional routine clinical exams, as other aspects also have an impact on health. Thus, prevention and intervention in the consumption of psychoactive substances (e.g., ethanol, opioids, central nervous system stimulants or depressants, hallucinogens, Cannabis derivatives, dissociative substances, and inhalants) in labor activity should be considered as an investment of organizations and not as a cost, in view of the professional, personal, and family advantages for workers and employers, with a potential impact on productivity, security, health, and quality of life at work. Despite the extensive literature on the subject, each article generally focuses on one or another aspect of a very specific nature, not tackling the problem in a holistic way by confronting clinical, safety, and legal issues. This article presents a reflection on the legal, laboratorial, clinical, ethical, forensic, and safety concerns related to the consumption of psychoactive substances in the workplace, and can be a cross-cutting contribution to occupational medicine, forensic medicine, and insurance medicine, as well as for entrepreneurs, lawyers, judges, workers, and technicians from the public and private sectors that develop projects in this area. This discussion is based on general principles established internationally and highlights the role of the occupational healthcare system and other decision-making actors in the prevention and supervision of workplace psychoactive consumption.
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Sagvaag H, Rimstad SL, Kinn LG, Aas RW. Six shades of grey: Identifying drinking culture and potentially risky drinking behaviour in the grey zone between work and leisure. The WIRUS culture study. J Public Health Res 2019; 8:1585. [PMID: 31572696 PMCID: PMC6747020 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2019.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore drinking culture and drinking situations that employers and employees encounter in the grey zone between work and leisure, and identify what might affect employees’ risky drinking behaviour. Methods: We used eight focus groups to interview 61 core company informants from eight Norwegian companies (private and public sector) participating in the WIRUS – Workplace-based interventions preventing risky alcohol use and sick leave – project. The informants represented employers and employees with a diversity of roles at multiple organisational levels. The transcribed interviews were analysed by applying a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. Results: The analysis revealed six dimensions of drinking culture representing potentially risky drinking behaviour in situations that fall in the grey zone between work and leisure: (1) “Who invited me?” (Degree of obligation towards inviter), (2) “Do I have to participate?” (Degree of participation volunteerism), (3) “To drink or not to drink?” (Degree of drinking volunteerism), (4) “Work talk or small talk?” (Degree of work-related conversation), (5) “Are there any drinking rules to follow?” (Degree of regulation), and (6) “The influence of being away from home” (degree of distance to home). Conclusions: The findings reveal that employers and employees’ experience of drinking culture can be categorised as six different “shades of grey”. The grey zone is shaded from light to dark grey, indicating how risky the informants perceive the grey zone to be. The findings may be useful when designing workplace health promotion programmes and alcohol regulations in the workplace. Significance for public health Identifying potentially risky drinking situations in the grey zone between work and leisure is of relevance for public health as use of alcohol is considered a threat to public health. Alcohol is causing ill health and premature death, as well as physical and social problems. Work related use of alcohol is one arena influencing the alcohol consumption, and therefore a significant arena for a public health perspective on employees’ alcohol habits. In Norwegian working life, the use of alcohol takes place in the grey zone between work and leisure time, to a small degree at work, and identifying risky drinking situations in the grey zone, is of value in order to develop efficient and effective alcohol prevention strategies. The model developed in this article for identifying potentially risky drinking situations can help improve interventions for health outcomes for working population, significant for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegunn Sagvaag
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger
| | - Silje Lill Rimstad
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger.,West Norway Competence Centre (KoRus Stavanger)/Rogaland A-Centre, Stavanger
| | - Liv Grethe Kinn
- Department of welfare and participation, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger.,Oslo Met - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Cheng W, Pien L, Cheng Y. Differential effects of employment grade on the association between long working hours and problem drinking. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:404-411. [PMID: 30793779 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between working hours and problem drinking in employees from different employment grades. METHODS We used data from a national survey of randomly sampled Taiwanese workers. A total score of 2 or more on the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-Opener (CAGE) questionnaire was used to identify problem drinkers. Weekly working hours were categorized into five groups: <40, 40, 41-48, 49-59, and ≥60. Employees were classified into three employment grades: managers and professionals, skilled workers, and low-skilled workers. The associations between working hours and problem drinking in employees from different employment grades were examined by logistic regression models. RESULTS In skilled workers, problem drinking was associated with <40 and 41-48 working hours, but not with >48 working hours. In low-skilled workers, problem drinking was most strongly associated with 49-59 working hours. CONCLUSION The association between working hours and problem drinking was not linear and differed with employment grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan‐Ju Cheng
- Department of PsychiatryChina Medical University HospitalTaichung Taiwan
- Department of Public HealthChina Medical UniversityTaichung Taiwan
| | - Li‐Chung Pien
- Department of NursingCardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and ManagementNew Taipei City Taiwan
| | - Yawen Cheng
- Department of Public HealthInstitute of Health Policy and Management, Nationa Taiwan UniversityTaipei Taiwan
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Frone MR. Employee Psychoactive Substance Involvement: Historical Context, Key Findings, and Future Directions. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012218-015231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Humans have consumed psychoactive substances for millennia, and these substances have played an important role in human culture and human labor. This article investigates our current understanding of the general association between the workplace and employee involvement with psychoactive substances. I begin by briefly exploring the broad evolutionary and historical intersection of psychoactive substances, human culture, and human labor. I then outline the multidimensional nature of employee psychoactive substance involvement and look at its prevalence. Next, I summarize recent research on workplace antecedents, such as work stressors, substance availability, norms, and social control. I then summarize research on the adverse workplace outcomes experienced by employees who use psychoactive substances as well as the collateral effects of such use on coworkers. Throughout the article, I identify directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Frone
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
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Buvik K, Moan IS, Halkjelsvik T. Alcohol-related absence and presenteeism: Beyond productivity loss. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 58:71-77. [PMID: 29864644 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use by employees is associated with negative consequences for the workplace in terms of absence and poor work performance. The aims of this study were to map the prevalence of alcohol-related absence and inefficiency using survey data from a broad sample of employees, and to explore how alcohol-related absence and presenteeism are experienced and handled using data from qualitative interviews. METHODS The prevalence data stems from a web survey completed by 1940 Norwegian employees aged 20-74 years. The qualitative data consists of analyses of 24 interviews with managers, co-workers of heavy drinking employees, and heavy drinking employees, from various lines of businesses. RESULTS 1-2% reported alcohol-related full day absence in the last 12 months, and 2% reported partial day absence; 11% reported inefficiency due to drinking the previous day. Analyses of interview data revealed that alcohol-related absence and presenteeism may cause a range of economic and practical problems. Managers reported spending a lot of resources and effort on single cases. In addition, the results showed how the presence of a heavy drinking employee may have a negative impact on the broader psychosocial environment, and cause concern for workplace safety. Due to consideration of the drinker's well-being and fear of negative reactions, problem cases can last for years. CONCLUSIONS Despite the relatively low prevalence of alcohol-related absence and inefficiency, the study suggest that the alcohol-related problems of a few, or only one, employee may still have substantial and far-reaching negative consequences for the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Buvik
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Inger Synnøve Moan
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Torleif Halkjelsvik
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Postbox 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
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When is it OK to be drunk? Situational and cultural variations in the acceptability of visible intoxication in the UK and Norway. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 29:27-32. [PMID: 26809935 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on norms regulating drunken behaviour has tended to focus on differences between different countries and cultures rather than variations within them. Here, we examine whether there are: (i) situation-specific differences in the acceptability of visible intoxication among students in the UK and Norway; (ii) whether there are situation-specific and overall differences in this regard between the two countries; and finally (iii) to what degree possible differences reflect individual characteristics such as use of alcohol, perceived harm of alcohol consumption, and broader value orientation. METHODS Students at one British (n=473) and one Norwegian (n=472) university responded to a survey including a battery of questions assessing the acceptability of visible intoxication in different situations, such as with friends, with work colleagues, with family members, and situations where children are present. Data were also collected regarding alcohol consumption, perceived harms of alcohol consumption, and value orientation. Analyses of covariance were performed to assess patterns in the acceptability of visible intoxication across different situations, and the relative contributions of country, alcohol consumption, perceived harm of alcohol consumption and human values. RESULTS In both countries, visible intoxication was rated as most acceptable in situations involving friends and colleagues. Students from both countries rated visible intoxication least acceptable in situations where children are present. However, both overall, and in situations where children or family members are present, acceptability of visible intoxication scores were higher in the UK than Norway. These differences persisted after control for other variables. CONCLUSION The study demonstrates large situational variation in acceptability of drunken behaviour, pointing to a fine-meshed set of norms regulating alcohol use and drunken behaviour within the two cultures, with the UK standing out as a more alcohol-liberal culture than Norway. Such differences underline how norms regulating drunken behaviour are culturally constituted.
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