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The importance of authenticity for student non-drinkers: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 16:16 authored by Dominic Conroy, Richard De VisserRichard De Visser
Our paper illustrates the importance of authenticity to student non-drinkers. Semi-structured interviews focussing on the lived experiences of five non-drinking students were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). We present four inter-related themes: ‘Retaining authenticity by not drinking’; ‘Tainting the self by drinking alcohol’; ‘Feeling trapped by superimposition and self-exposition’ and ‘Doing what you want with your life’. Self-authenticity informed the decision not to drink, became relevant within conversations about non-drinking, and underscored issues of choice and agency raised by alcohol consumption. Entrenched assumptions about alcohol’s self-realising utility are challenged in our discussion and future research recommendations are suggested.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Journal of Health Psychology

ISSN

1359-1053

Publisher

Sage Publications

Issue

11

Volume

20

Page range

1483-1493

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-11-04

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2015-07-15

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2015-07-15

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