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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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Open Access 01-06-2018 | Original Article

Negative Experiences of Non-Drinking College Students in Great Britain: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Authors: Lisa Jacobs, Dominic Conroy, Adrian Parke

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Research relating to alcohol use amongst university students primarily examines the effects of binge drinking. Researchers rarely focus on a range of drinking styles including light or non-drinking. This study was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of female, first year UK undergraduates, who do not drink alcohol. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants. Narratives were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA; by Smith and Osborn (Sage 51-80, 2003). Three superordinate themes were identified: “managing the feeling that you don’t belong” highlights the importance of managing social interactions as a non-drinker; “experiencing social exclusion” recognises the impact on social bonding as a result of insufficient socialising opportunities; and “experiencing peer pressure and social stigma” highlights the scrutiny and labelling participants endured. These findings provide an understanding of some of the difficulties experienced by these undergraduates as a result of their non-drinking status. Implications of this research are discussed and areas for future research are outlined.

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Title: Negative Experiences of Non-Drinking College Students in Great Britain: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Lisa Jacobs
Dominic Conroy
Adrian Parke
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9848-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Negative Experiences of Non-Drinking College Students in Great Britain: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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