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The ‘sober eye’ : Examining attitudes towards non-drinkers in Australia
Cheers, Christopher Callinan, Sarah Pennay, Amy
Cheers, Christopher
Callinan, Sarah
Pennay, Amy
Abstract
Background
The proportion of Australians who choose not to drink alcohol has increased in recent years; yet, non-drinkers report experiences of stigma and judgement from peers for this choice. This study aimed to explore the attitudes that exist towards non-drinkers and examine what drives this stigma.
Method
Thematic analysis of four focus groups was undertaken, comprising 37 drinking and non-drinking Australian adults.
Results
Three themes were identified that elucidate the stigma, with non-drinkers being perceived as a: (1) threat to fun, a judgemental ‘sober eye’ disrupting the desired hedonistic environment created by alcohol, (2) threat to connection, described as difficult to initiate and maintain a social connection with and (3) threat to self, with the presence of a non-drinker described by drinkers as encouraging an unwanted reflection on the problematic aspects of their own drinking. Participant responses also suggested that the gender of the non-drinker influenced these perceptions.
Conclusion
Through the lens of Integrated Threat Theory, this study proposes that the stigma experienced by non-drinkers may be understood as a response to threats non-drinkers are perceived to pose to drinkers’ group values (e.g. hedonism) and self-esteem. This study offers new direction for health promotion efforts to challenge negative perceptions of non-drinkers.
Keywords
non-drinkers, alcohol, threat, stigma
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Psychology and Health
Book
Volume
36
Issue
4
Page Range
385-404
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled