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A prospective study of the effects of unemployment on drinking behaviour

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Summary

This article reports a prospective and controlled investigation of the effects of unemployment on alcohol consumption. There was no evidence that unemployment led to an overall increase in drinking but some non-significant findings were suggestive of changes in drinking pattern and context during unemployment. Several risk factors, including a higher level of alcohol-related problems before becoming unemployed, were identified. There was some evidence to support a version of the stress hypothesis of the relationship between unemployment and drinking.

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Author notes

  1. Phyllis Laybourn (Lecturer in psychology)

    Present address: Napier College, Colinton Road, E10 5DT, Edinburgh

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Addictive Behaviours Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Ninewells Medical School, University of Dundee, England

    Nick Heather, Phyllis Laybourn (Lecturer in psychology) & Barbara MacPherson

Authors
  1. Nick Heather
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  2. Phyllis Laybourn
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  3. Barbara MacPherson
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Additional information

This research was carried out under a series of Community Programme Schemes (D/DUE/0070/3, D/DUE/0192/3 and D/DUE/0290/4) awarded by the Manpower Services Commission

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Heather, N., Laybourn, P. & MacPherson, B. A prospective study of the effects of unemployment on drinking behaviour. Soc Psychiatry 22, 226–233 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00583559

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00583559

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