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Exploring the Link Between General and Workplace Descriptive Norms and Alcohol Consumption Among Recent College
Matthew K Meisel1, Katie M Yetter1, Nancy P Barnett1
1Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA.
Journal of Drug Education
|August 8, 2026
Summary
Workplace social norms influence young adults' alcohol consumption after college. Perceived coworker drinking behaviors at work, not general norms, predict drinking frequency and workplace alcohol use.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Occupational Health
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Descriptive norms significantly influence college students' alcohol consumption.
- Limited research exists on how descriptive norms affect alcohol use post-college and in the workplace.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between perceived descriptive norms (general vs. workplace) and normative referents (coworker/manager) with young adults' general and workplace alcohol use.
- To understand the impact of workplace social norms on alcohol consumption among recent graduates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal data from college students who graduated and entered the workforce (N=720).
- Examined associations between general coworker norms and workplace coworker norms with alcohol use variables.
Main Results:
- General coworker descriptive norms correlated with drinking frequency but not heavy drinking or alcohol-related consequences.
- Workplace coworker norms were linked to increased likelihood of drinking at work and being under the influence at work.
Conclusions:
- Workplace social norms, specifically perceived coworker behavior, significantly impact workplace alcohol use.
- Interventions targeting misperceptions or prevalence of workplace alcohol use can reduce harm.
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