Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The current study applies a sociocultural lens to understanding emerging adult women’s alcohol use and related problems in light of the recent gender convergence in rates of alcohol use. Grounded in the developmental framework of emerging adulthood, which typically characterizes those between the ages of 18-25 years old, this research aimed to establish a more comprehensive model of young women’s drinking through addressing several gaps in the current literature and focusing on both risk and protective factors. A sample of predominantly White, heterosexual emerging adult women (N = 230) participated in an online study that assessed drinking behaviours and motives, domains of socialized conventional femininity and resistance of such scripts, and efforts to mitigate risky drinking behaviours. Greater endorsement of conformity to ideal constructions of femininity dictating appearance preoccupation (striving to attain a thin body, augmenting one’s appearance, and relating negatively to one’s body through objectification) was associated with coping motives, and in turn, risky drinking (binge drinking, alcohol problems), whereas body objectification was associated with conformity motives, and in turn, alcohol problems. Greater inauthenticity in relationships was positively associated with conformity motives. Furthermore, body appreciation was positively associated with protective behavioural strategies against risky drinking, including controlled drinking self-efficacy, and was associated with reduced risky drinking; relationship authenticity was positively associated with controlled drinking self-efficacy, which was related to reduced levels of risky drinking. Findings are interpreted within a gender socialization framework and highlight mechanisms that are associated with unique drinking practices among women; specifically, how women’s relationships with their bodies are connected with their drinking behaviours. The impact of adherence/resistance to sociocultural norms on risk and wellness behaviours for emerging adult women, who are navigating a formative, transitional time in their lives, is discussed. Clinical implications of these findings are addressed for both prevention and intervention.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Julia Belenzon Hussman
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3092413900