Effects of alcohol portrayals in movies on actual alcohol consumption: an observational experimental study

Authors
Publication date 2011
Journal Addiction
Volume | Issue number 106 | 3
Pages (from-to) 547-554
Organisations
  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) - Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR)
Abstract
Aims
This study uses an experimental design to assess the effects of movie alcohol portrayal on alcohol consumption of young adults while watching a movie. Gender, weekly alcohol use and identification with the movie actor/character were assessed as moderators.

Design
A two (sex) × two (movie: alcohol or no portrayal of alcohol) between-subject design was used.

Setting
Participants watched a contemporary movie in a semi-naturalistic living room setting.

Participants
A total of 122 same-sex, young adult dyads (ages 18-29 years) participated in the experiment.

Measurements
Their actual alcohol consumption while watching was examined. A multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the effects of the movie condition on alcohol consumption.

Findings
Assignment to movie alcohol increased alcohol consumption during the movie for men but not women. Identification and weekly alcohol consumption did not moderate the relation between movie condition and alcohol consumption.

Conclusions
Viewing a movie with alcohol portrayal can lead to higher alcohol consumption in young men while watching the movie.
Document type Article
Language English
Published at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03224.x
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