Comparing Factors Influencing Heavy Episodic Drinking of Young Adults in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Issue 6 (28th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liebrand, Sil; Eberhardt, Judith; van Schaik, Paul; Pieterse, Marcel; van Wersch, Anna; ten Klooster, Peter; Boer, Henk
• Is Part Of: Journal of child & adolescent substance abuse. Volume 28:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 452
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2020-08-28
• Subjects: Heavy episodic drinking -- theory of planned behavior -- sensation-seeking -- "dry" versus "wet" country comparison; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Drug use -- Periodicals; 616.860083
• DOI: 10.1080/1067828X.2020.1792020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-828X

Abstract

Abstract: The United Kingdom and the Netherlands exhibit similar levels of heavy episodic drinking but different drinking patterns among youths. This study aimed to assess the impact of country of residence on heavy episodic drinking among 293 British and Dutch youths, accounting for other behavioral determinants. Participants completed online questionnaires measuring impulsivity, sensation-seeking, alcohol consumption, and constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior [TPB]. Mediation analysis established that British youths engaged in more frequent heavy drinking episodes than Dutch youths, as they had weaker intentions to refrain from heavy drinking, and lower perceived behavioral control. Country of residence also was a direct predictor of frequency of heavy drinking episodes, not mediated by personality traits. Thus, country of residence seems an important factor in heavy episodic drinking, partly mediated through TPB constructs. Interventions may benefit from targeting country-specific drinking behavior and related socio-psychological mechanisms.