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Norm qualities and alcoholism
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Chronic alcoholism was highest in proscriptive environments where drinking is forbidden and lowest in nonscriptive environments. Parents and church were key sources of these proscriptive norms for alcoholics.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Norms significantly influence individual behavior, including substance use.
- Understanding the role of social norms in chronic alcoholism is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between different types of norms (proscriptive, prescriptive, nonscriptive) and chronic alcoholism in American subjects.
- To identify perceived reference groups influencing drinking patterns among chronic alcoholics.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 85 American subjects diagnosed with chronic alcoholism.
- Categorization of norms into proscriptive, prescriptive, and nonscriptive environments.
- Analysis of norm sources including co-workers, church, family, friends, and parents.
Main Results:
- Chronic alcoholism prevalence was highest in proscriptive environments (where drinking is forbidden).
- Prevalence was lower in prescriptive environments (where drinking is guided) and lowest in nonscriptive environments (lacking clear norms).
- Church and parents were identified as primary sources of proscriptive norms.
Conclusions:
- Environmental norms, particularly proscriptive ones, are strongly associated with chronic alcoholism.
- Rehabilitation programs for chronic alcoholics should consider the influence of parental and religious norms.
- Interventions may be more effective when aligned with or addressing the perceived norms from significant reference groups.