Work

A descriptive analysis of where and with whom lesbian versus bisexual women drink

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Sexual minority women (SMW) are at increased risk for alcohol use disorders and related problems. Social context (e.g., where and with whom one drinks) has been identified as an important factor associated with drinking behavior, but little is known about social context among SMW. An improved understanding of social context among SMW has the potential to inform efforts to reduce problematic drinking and its consequences in this high-risk population. METHODS: = 1,057). RESULTS: SMW reported more frequent drinking in private locations (compared to public locations), with friends and romantic partners (compared to family members and strangers), and in locations with both heterosexuals and sexual minorities (compared to mostly or exclusively sexual minorities). Additionally, lesbians reported more frequent drinking in bars and in locations with more sexual minorities compared to bisexual women. CONCLUSION: Interventions to reduce problematic drinking among SMW may benefit from addressing social context.

Source: Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health

DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2017.1353472

Authors: Brian A. Feinstein, Elizabeth R. Bird, Anne M. Fairlie, Christine M. Lee, Debra Kaysen

Institutions: Northwestern University, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse