Peer pressure and alcohol consumption in adults living in the UK: a systematic qualitative review

Abstract

Background: Peer pressure to drink alcohol may influence excessive alcohol consumption, which can have adverse impacts on health and wellbeing. While peer pressure to drink alcohol is extensively studied among youth, less examination exists among adults. This systematic review examined qualitative research studies which explored the role and concept of peer pressure within the context of alcohol consumption in adults living in the UK. Methods: Qualitative studies which explored peer pressure within the context of alcohol consumption or alcohol related behaviours and views in adults (age range approximately 18-52 years) living in the UK were included. Systematic searches conducted in Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science identified 1462 references, of which 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Five overarching themes were identified. Four of these themes directly address aspects of peer pressure, including: experiences of peer pressure; consequences of peer pressure; strategies to deal with peer pressure; and conditions perceived to affect peer pressure. The fifth overarching theme explains the wider social context influencing peer pressure. Pressure to drink alcohol affects individuals across the life span and can be experienced as overt and aggressive, or subtle and friendly. Those consuming little or no alcohol are more likely to feel overt forms of peer pressure. Some developed strategies to cope with pressure from drinkers. Peer pressure can result in feelings of social isolation, or giving in by consuming alcohol against ones wishes. Conclusion: Peer pressure to drink alcohol is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon experienced across adulthood requiring better understanding to support initiatives to decrease the impact of pressure-inducing environments and develop strategies to deal with perceived pressure conditions.

Justifications for heavy alcohol use among gender and sexually diverse people

“…Heavy alcohol use to negotiate the complexity within these settings was viewed as essential. In line with international research, bars and other commercial venues selling alcohol were identified as important places for socialising (Croff et al, 2017;Emslie et al, 2017b), as was the role of peer expectations in encouraging drinking (Longerbeam et al, 2007;McKie et al, 2020;Morris et al, 2020;Robertson & Tustin, 2018). Additionally in the New Zealand context, there was recognition that non-alcohol venues and opportunities for socialising are not readily available for gender and sexually diverse people, something that has been reported elsewhere .…”

Health Impacts of Alcohol Consumption: Report on Focus Group Findings

“…This finding supports the qualitative studies in UK which explored peer pressure played a big role in alcohol consumption. In that study non-drinkers and moderate drinkers reported regrettable experiences because of aggressive or persistent peer pressure [7]. This clearly makes sense as nowadays we spend most of our time with our friends and thus prone to adhere their behaviours easily.…”

“…Malaysia is the tenth largest consumer of alcohol and many adolescent consumed alcohol because of peer pressure and also because of enjoyment. Extensive advertising and promotion drive more Malaysians to drink [7]. Binge drinking is highest among the Indian youth, followed by Chinese youth and lowest in Malay youth based on the study done in Kuala Lumpur [14].…”

Using social media comments to reduce alcohol purchase intentions: An online experiment

“…Here, exposure to pro‐drinking comments, which are inherently favourable towards alcohol use, may reinforce these social and cultural effects. Further, alcogenic social and cultural environments may promote consumption as a requirement for fitting in or establishing a social identity [30]. The alcohol industry, social media platforms and alcohol regulators should strongly consider assuming a greater role in actively moderating the comments left in response to alcohol advertisements.…”