This essay will examine some of the major factors of young adult behaviour that facilitate the uptake of binge drinking. It will use evidence to show that while engaging in drinking and binge drinking behaviours is a personal choice, the action of/ decision to do so is significantly affected and facilitated by peer groups (living/social arrangements and familial influence). Performing these behaviours because of peer pressure and personal perception can be defined as a drinking problem regardless of binge level behaviours (Berkowitz & Perkins, 1986).
From the ages of 18 to …show more content…
The study was aimed at determining if the planned drinking behaviours were a significant indicator of the level of drinking behaviour engaged in and the frequency of the behaviour. It also examined which social factors influenced the participants planned behaviours. 212 participants were asked to complete two surveys, two weeks apart.
The results of the study showed that while participants levels of binge drinking varied based on their intended behaviours, their perceived behavioural control was not a clear indicator of later alcohol consumption. This shows that it is not and unbiased choice to drink and leads us to consider external influences that make binge drinking attractive to the individual. The variable of perceived control was examined alongside the theory of relative action to give the researchers a clearer view of the psychosocial influences that led to the planned drinking …show more content…
While the study by Ross and Jackson shows other factors, the dominance of planned behaviours based around how others will perceive the subject make it clear that it is the defining characteristic for many young adults. In conjunction with similar studies it can be assumed that peer influence is a widely practiced and accepted trait in binge drinking behaviour. These strong correlations may occur as young adults are often making a move from their childhood home to a new adult living arrangement. PROVE IT Many are leaving the protective bracket of their parents and others are transitioning in to a working environment in which they are faced with a wider demographic of