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Sexual minority women's perceptions of sober curiosity: Lessons learned from a US pilot study
Lauren Bochicchio1, Laurie A Drabble2, Ellen D B Riggle3
1Columbia University School of Nursing, Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health Research, New York, New York, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Review
|February 3, 2025
Summary
Sexual minority women (SMW) face hazardous drinking (HD) due to social norms. Sober curiosity offers a non-stigmatizing approach for SMW to evaluate and reduce alcohol consumption, though social barriers exist.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Sexual minority women (SMW) exhibit higher rates of hazardous drinking (HD) compared to heterosexual women.
- Sober curiosity, emphasizing mindfulness and challenging alcohol norms, presents a potentially non-stigmatizing strategy for alcohol reduction among SMW.
- Limited research exists on SMW's perspectives regarding sober curiosity for modifying drinking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perceptions of sober curiosity among sexual minority women (SMW) as a strategy for reducing alcohol consumption.
- To understand the socio-cultural factors influencing drinking behaviors and the desire to change among SMW.
- To identify perceived supports and barriers related to alcohol reduction for SMW.
Main Methods:
- Conducted in-depth individual interviews with 17 sexual minority women (SMW) in the United States.
- Participants self-reported moderate to heavy alcohol consumption or a desire to reduce drinking.
- Explored socio-cultural contexts of drinking, motivations for change, and perceived facilitators and barriers.
Main Results:
- SMW identified heavy drinking norms, alcohol's role in social events, and stress-reduction as contributors to HD.
- Participants expressed motivation to evaluate alcohol use, despite mixed views on the term 'sober curiosity'.
- Fear of social rejection and loss of social connections were significant barriers to reducing alcohol intake.
Conclusions:
- Sexual identity-specific online support and resources aligned with sober curiosity principles may benefit SMW aiming to reduce alcohol consumption.
- Facilitators for alcohol reduction include access to alcohol-free social settings, peer support, and health education.
- Addressing social barriers is crucial for effective alcohol reduction strategies among SMW.
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