The Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of psychological research on alcohol consumption, exploring theories, interventions, and future developments. It covers personality type, motivation, self-regulation, cultural and demographic factors, external influences on consumption, and interventions for reducing alcohol consumption. It also brings together cutting-edge contemporary research on alcohol consumption in childhood and adolescence, including managing offers or drinks, pre-drinking, online identities, and how children develop their beliefs about alcohol. It offers a rounded presentation of the tensions involved in debates around the psychological impacts of alcohol use, discussing its role in helping people to socialise and unwind as well as recognising the possible negative impacts on health, education, and relationships.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 583 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Psychological Research on Alcohol Consumption

This Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of psychological research on alcohol consumption, exploring the psychological theories underpinning alcohol use and misuse, discussing interventions that can be designed around these theories, and offering key insight into future developments within the field. A range of international experts assess the unique factors that contribute to alcohol-related behaviour as differentiated from other health-related behaviours. They cover the theory and context of alcohol consumption, including possible implications of personality type, motivation and self-regulation, and cultural and demographic factors. After reviewing the evidence for psychological theories and predictors as accounts for alcohol consumption, the book goes on to focus on external influences on consumption and interventions for reducing alcohol consumption, including those based on purchasing and consumption behaviour, technologies such as personalised feedback apps, and social and media phenomena such as “Dry January” and “Hello Sunday Morning”. It brings together cutting-edge contemporary research on alcohol consumption in childhood and adolescence, including topics such as managing offers or drinks, “pre-drinking”, online identities, how children develop their beliefs about alcohol, and how adolescents discuss alcohol with their parents. The book also offers a rounded presentation of the tensions involved in debates around the psychological impacts of alcohol use, discussing its role in helping people to socialise and unwind, as well as recognising the possible negative impacts on health, education and relationships.

Psychological Theories Underpinning Alcohol Use and Misuse

Psychological theories underpinning alcohol use and misuse provide a framework for understanding the factors that influence alcohol consumption. These theories include the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Self-Regulation, and the Theory of Social Learning. The Theory of Planned Behaviour suggests that individuals' intentions to consume alcohol are influenced by their attitudes towards alcohol, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. The Theory of Reasoned Action suggests that individuals' behaviour is influenced by their attitudes towards alcohol, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, as well as their perceived control over the outcome of their behaviour. The Theory of Self-Regulation suggests that individuals' ability to regulate their behaviour is influenced by their self-efficacy, self-monitoring, and self-reinforcement. The Theory of Social Learning suggests that individuals' behaviour is influenced by their observation of others' behaviour, their imitation of others' behaviour, and their reinforcement of others' behaviour. These theories have been used to develop interventions that can help individuals reduce their alcohol consumption, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and social support. However, it is important to note that these theories are not without their limitations, and that other factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social norms, may also play a role in alcohol consumption.

Interventions for Reducing Alcohol Consumption

Interventions for reducing alcohol consumption can take many different forms, depending on the individual's needs and circumstances. Some interventions focus on purchasing and consumption behaviour, such as setting limits on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased, reducing the availability of alcohol in certain areas, and increasing the price of alcohol. Other interventions focus on technologies such as personalised feedback apps, which can provide individuals with feedback on their alcohol consumption and help them to make changes to their behaviour. Social and media phenomena such as “Dry January” and “Hello Sunday Morning” have also been used to promote alcohol consumption reduction. These interventions can be effective in reducing alcohol consumption, but they may also have negative consequences, such as social isolation and stigma. It is important to ensure that interventions are designed and implemented in a way that is safe and effective for individuals. Additionally, it is important to address the underlying causes of alcohol consumption, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social norms, in order to prevent alcohol-related harm.

External Influences on Consumption and Interventions for Reducing Alcohol Consumption

External influences on consumption and interventions for reducing alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on individuals' alcohol consumption. These influences include cultural and demographic factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Cultural and demographic factors can influence individuals' attitudes towards alcohol, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, as well as their ability to regulate their behaviour. For example, younger individuals may be more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption than older individuals, and individuals from lower socioeconomic status may be more likely to experience alcohol-related harm. Additionally, social and media phenomena such as “Dry January” and “Hello Sunday Morning” can have a significant impact on individuals' alcohol consumption. These phenomena can promote alcohol consumption reduction by providing individuals with a sense of community and support, and by providing them with information about the negative effects of alcohol consumption. However, they can also have negative consequences, such as social isolation and stigma. It is important to address these external influences on consumption and interventions for reducing alcohol consumption in order to promote healthy and safe alcohol consumption.

Psychological Impacts of Alcohol Use

The psychological impacts of alcohol use can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, alcohol can help individuals to socialise and unwind, and can provide a sense of relaxation and enjoyment. However, on the negative side, alcohol can have negative impacts on health, education, and relationships. Alcohol can lead to liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems, and can also impair cognitive function and memory. Alcohol can also lead to social problems, such as violence, aggression, and sexual assault. It is important to recognise the psychological impacts of alcohol use and to take steps to reduce these impacts. This can include reducing alcohol consumption, seeking support from friends and family, and seeking professional help if necessary. Additionally, it is important to address the underlying causes of alcohol use, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social norms, in order to prevent alcohol-related harm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of psychological research on alcohol consumption, exploring the psychological theories underpinning alcohol use and misuse, discussing interventions that can be designed around these theories, and offering key insight into future developments within the field. A range of international experts assess the unique factors that contribute to alcohol-related behaviour as differentiated from other health-related behaviours. They cover the theory and context of alcohol consumption, including possible implications of personality type, motivation and self-regulation, and cultural and demographic factors. After reviewing the evidence for psychological theories and predictors as accounts for alcohol consumption, the book goes on to focus on external influences on consumption and interventions for reducing alcohol consumption, including those based on purchasing and consumption behaviour, technologies such as personalised feedback apps, and social and media phenomena such as “Dry January” and “Hello Sunday Morning”. It brings together cutting-edge contemporary research on alcohol consumption in childhood and adolescence, including topics such as managing offers or drinks, “pre-drinking”, online identities, how children develop their beliefs about alcohol, and how adolescents discuss alcohol with their parents. The book also offers a rounded presentation of the tensions involved in debates around the psychological impacts of alcohol use, discussing its role in helping people to socialise and unwind, as well as recognising the possible negative impacts on health, education and relationships. This book will be of interest to academics, policymakers, public health officials, practitioners, charities and other stakeholders interested in the field of alcohol consumption.

Weight: 932g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030669430
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021