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'Enabling' of male problem drinkers in work groups
P M Roman1, T C Blum, J K Martin
1Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
British Journal of Addiction
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Workplace enabling, where coworkers and supervisors support problem drinking, is confirmed. This study found that supportive relationships, not non-problem drinkers, maintain adult problem drinking behaviors in employed men.
Area of Science:
- Social psychology
- Occupational health
- Addiction studies
Background:
- Limited theoretical understanding exists regarding group influences on adult problem drinking.
- Sociological theories suggest peer support for problem drinking, contrasting with clinical views emphasizing non-problematic 'significant others' in maintenance.
- Workplace identification and referral delays for problem drinkers may stem from supportive coworker and supervisor relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally test the hypothesis that workplace enabling facilitates the maintenance of adult problem drinking.
- To investigate the role of supportive relationships between problem drinkers and their colleagues and superiors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1973-77 Quality of Employment Panel Survey.
- Conducted a longitudinal analysis among employed men.
- Compared 'enabled' and 'non-enabled' problem-drinking workers.
Main Results:
- Results provide empirical support for the existence of workplace enabling.
- Data did not support four proposed explanations for enabling among problem-drinking workers.
- Supportive relationships were identified as a factor in maintaining problem drinking in the workplace.
Conclusions:
- Workplace enabling is a significant factor in the maintenance of adult problem drinking.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and explanations for workplace enabling.
- Findings highlight the complex social dynamics influencing problem drinking within occupational settings.