Citation

Guise JM, Gill JS. Health Educ. Res. 2007; 22(6): 895-906.

Affiliation

Tayside Institute of Health Studies, University of Abertay Dundee, Dudhope Castle, Dundee DD3 6HF, UK. (j513135@abertay.ac.uk)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/her/cym034

PMID

17675648

Abstract

Binge drinking in young people, particularly females and students, is a source of some concern to those engaged in health education. The concept is usually defined in terms of quantities of alcohol consumed within a relatively short space of time. Research suggests that reasons for drinking are varied, and are likely to be influenced by culture and context. This study aimed to explore issues important to female undergraduate students in Scotland. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 19 participants who were asked to describe what they understand by the term 'binge drinking', why they drink and what might trigger excessive consumption. Discourse analysis was used to explore the possible 'functions' of what was said, as well as the content. Participants showed sensitivity to how others might interpret their responses. They described binge drinking in terms of its behavioural effects rather than quantities consumed.

Language: en