Regret Me Not

Examining the Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Regrettable Experiences

Bibliographic Data

ID21645152
AuthorsAndrew Jones (0000-0003-3545-4080, Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK), Salvador Carrión Olmos (0000-0002-1869-7227, corresponding author), John Crawford (0000-0002-5780-0848, Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK), Joel Crawford (Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK), Abi Rose (Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK), Paul Christiansen (0000-0001-7534-0948, Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK), Richard Cooke (0000-0003-0476-6284, Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK)
Year2020
Volume55
Issue14
Pages2379-2388
Publication date2020-11-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2020.1817084
OpenAlexW32924717
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited62

Alcohol use is a considerable public health concern, leading to negative health and adverse social consequences. Despite widespread knowledge and acceptance of these consequences many individuals continue to drink excessively. Lack of regret for these consequences may partially explain this. Objectives: To examine the prevalence of regrettable experiences and their role in future intentions to drink. Methods: In two studies (Study 1: cross-sectional; Study 2: longitudinal) participants reported on 18 regrettable experiences; from common regrets (e.g. hangover), to risky behaviors (e.g. drug taking), and serious regrets (e.g. driving under the influence), over a two-week period. Results: Prevalence of regrettable experiences was high (e.g. 79.0% of individuals in study 1 and 66.9% of individuals in study 2 experienced a hangover). Prevalence was greater for common regrets compared to risky behaviors and serious regrets. In study one, alcohol consumed over the previous fortnight predicted the number of different regrettable experiences over the same period. In study two, units consumed on a day-to-day basis predicted the number of regrets on that same basis. Neither study demonstrated evidence for the predictive utility of regrets for intentions to consume alcohol in the future. Conclusions: These findings suggest high prevalence of regrettable experiences, that are predicted by increased alcohol consumption. However, there was little evidence that increased number of experiences predicted future drinking intentions. Regrettable experiences are prevalent following consumption, however a focus on these regrets to deter future alcohol consumption may not be an effective psychological intervention

Humanities · Ethics and bioethics in healthcare · Family and Matrimonial Law · Legal processes and jurisprudence · Philosophy

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