The influence of individual characteristics and social factors on not drinking alcohol during ‘Dry January’
Results from a prospective study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21579898 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Richard O De Visser (0000-0003-1174-1499, Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, corresponding author), Annelien Esselink (0009-0007-6517-3809, Tilburg University), Andrea D Rozema (0000-0002-7556-2409, Tilburg University), Rob Bovens (0000-0003-4821-8327, Tilburg University), Rob H L M Bovens (Tilburg University), Richard Piper (Alcohol Change UK) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-18 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Psychology & Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0887-0446 • E-ISSN: 1476-8321 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/08870446.2026.2652425 |
| PMID | 42065352 |
| OpenAlex | W7159654332 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 39 |
BACKGROUND: Many one-month alcohol-free challenges (AFCs) have been established to encourage and support lower alcohol intake. Completion of AFCs is known to be influenced by characteristics of individuals. This study explored the relative importance of individual characteristics compared to use of support provided by the AFC, and social factors including interactions with drinkers. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study with a one-month follow-up. The link to the online survey was sent to people who registered for 'the Dry January® challenge'. Baseline data were provided by 634 adults, of whom 410 (65%) completed the follow-up. The follow-up questionnaire assessed completion and collected qualitative data on suggested improvements to support for participants. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, completing the AFC was predicted by: greater drink refusal self-efficacy; planning to stop drinking after the AFC; not living with other drinkers; and doing the AFC with others. In qualitative analysis, many suggestions for improving support for participants focused on the social impacts of AFC participation. DISCUSSION: A novel contribution made by this study was identifying the importance of the social contexts in which individuals undertake AFCs. Organisers of AFCs should be aware of the influence of both individual and social factors, and tailor support accordingly
Alcohol consumption · Multivariate analysis · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Social environment · Social risk · Social support · Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects · Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |