Anticipating the Party – 21st Birthday Celebrations Can Mean Risky Drinking
Young adults spend months, possibly even years, anticipating the milestone of a 21st birthday. A few pass the occasion with a dignified drink or two with friends, but many consider it an induction into the world of alcohol and partying, taking the opportunity to dive into drinking with a full tour of hard liquor.
As the big day draws near, plans are made for a celebration, with friends invited to join in the revelry of a new-found freedom. However, many 21-year-olds do not give much thought to the actual alcohol consumption, and a lack of planning can lead to a dangerous episode of heavy drinking.
A new study looked at the partying that 21-year-olds do on their birthday, and how it compares to their anticipation of the celebration. Heather A. Brister, Reagan R. Wetherill, and Kim Fromme studied anticipated versus actual alcohol consumption during 21st birthday celebrations.
The objective of the study was to examine the 21st birthday party, often associated with excessive alcohol consumption. They studied how actual consumption compares with what the celebrant anticipated and whether an array of situational factors had an effect on predictions and accuracy.
To gather data, the researchers recruited 150 participants. 50 percent of the participants were female. Each participant was contacted one week prior to their 21st birthday. They were asked about their plans to celebrate, and specifically about the alcohol they planned to consume.
Participants were then interviewed a week after the celebration to determine the accuracy of their predictions. The study used in-person semi-structured interviews and self-report measures to gather information about the celebration.
The researchers asked questions abut the type and quantity of drinks, the pace of consumption, the presence of influential peers and their involvement, and about various 21st birthday traditions.
Most of the participants interviewed consumed more alcohol than predicted on their 21st birthday. Females were more accurate than men, with men showing greater prediction error.
Situational factors played a role in the discrepancy between predicted alcohol consumption and actual drinking choices made during the celebration. Drinking shots, drinking at a fast pace, and engaging in 21st birthday traditions were all connected with prediction errors in alcohol consumption.
Future studies may focus on the discrepancy between female and male participants, and identify the factors that influence men versus women in anticipating alcohol consumption. It is important to identify potential risk for heavy episodic drinking and work to prevent alcohol consumption from becoming dangerous at 21st birthday celebrations.
