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Mohan, Catherine (2008) A Study to investigate whether Perceptions of Adolescent Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking have changed over time. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background

According to Plant and Plant (1992), adolescent alcohol consumption is seen as important rites of passage into adulthood due to the "wet culture" young people are brought up in in England. However, Honess, Seymour and Webster (2000) argue that adolescent alcohol consumption has moved beyond imitating adult behaviour and is as much a "normal" behaviour as adult alcohol consumption. This has lead to concern regarding the health of adolescents. This study aimed to look at whether adolescent perceptions of alcohol have changed over time and if so, whether societal changes in the construction of adolescence may have been influential in changing perceptions. Findings from the study were used to make suggestions regarding future nursing practice and Government policy aimed at changing adolescent perceptions of alcohol.

Methodology

A qualitative approach was taken in the form of twelve semi structured interviews which asked participants to recall their perceptions of alcohol from when they were adolescents. Two different age groups were used so perceptions could be compared and conclusions made regarding whether perceptions had changed over time.

Results

Results showed adolescent perceptions towards alcohol appear to have changed. Notably, more adolescents within the younger sample group perceived drinking alcohol with the intention to get drunk as a "normal" behaviour. Adolescents also had different motivations for drinking alcohol such as dealing with stress. Literature suggests changes have occurred within the social construction of adolescence that may be used to suggest why perceptions of alcohol have changed.

Conclusions

Nurses come into contact with adolescents regularly thus putting them in a position to help change adolescent perceptions of alcohol. Although nurses can contribute to changing perceptions, findings show reasons behind adolescent alcohol consumption are complex and therefore more research is needed in order for the most effective combination of interventions to be developed.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords:	MNursSci, Master of Nursing Science, Alcohol, Adolescence, Binge Drinking
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	09 Dec 2008
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 16:35
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/22546

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