A longitudinal study of the role of social status and social satisfaction in university student drinking behaviour (advert reference: HLS/DRFPSSR7/53444)

Despite the clear negative outcomes associated with heavy drinking (Corrao, Bagnardi, Zambon & Le Vecchia, 2004; Kopelman, Thomson, Guerrini & Marshall, 2009), this behaviour forms an integral part of the UK student lifestyle (Heather et al., 2011). NUS and DrinkAware have reported that although students are aware of current alcohol intervention campaigns targeted at young people they are not responsive to them. Hsu et al in the USA (unpublished conference presentation) reported that the social satisfaction gained from binge drinking could be a powerful positive motivator for student drinking. Hsu et al found that low status students who engaged in binge drinking were able to access some of the benefits of social satisfaction (satisfaction with social life) that usually go with high status. Conversely, high status students who did not binge drink lost some of the benefits of social satisfaction they should expect from having high status. To date there has been no longitudinal research on social status, social satisfaction, and alcohol consumption among the student population.
The current project will address the gap in existing literature by focusing on the social factors potentially influencing drinking behaviour in students. Areas to explore will include the relationship between alcohol consumption and popularity (using a sociometric index of popularity), attitudes towards abstinence and heavy drinking (using qualitative methods and implicit association tests) , and a longitudinal study of a group of first year students’ drinking behaviour, perceived social satisfaction and popularity as they progress through university. It is envisaged that the findings from this project will inform future alcohol intervention campaigns.

Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to: Dr. Sarah Partington
Tel: 0191 243 7554
Email [Email Address Removed]

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a UK higher education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant academic qualifications, together with an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

To apply, contact Paul Agnew to request the appropriate application form, quoting the advert reference above, via email to [Email Address Removed] or by using the application link on this page.