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Abstract

We examined the prevalence of self-reported motivations and barriers to helping intoxicated peers among emerging adults (N = 377; M_age= 18.64; 75% women, 88% White) attending a Southeastern university and whether motivations and barriers differed by age, gender, race, and class standing. Respondents aged 19–24 were more likely to endorse the motivation item “Because it was your “turn” to be the helper/designated driver (DD) that night” than eighteen-year-olds. Race differences were also reported for the motivation item, “Because the person was your friend”, where White participants were more likely to endorse this item than non-White participants. Men also reported more Burden/Hassles-related barriers than did women.

Keywords

bystander interventions intoxicated peers motivations barriers emerging adults

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Bystander Motivations and Barriers to Helping Intoxicated Peers

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