Alcohol Misuse in South African Male Adolescents: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

Previous investigations of risk behaviors among high-school students in the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, revealed a high prevalence of binge drinking among boys. Qualitative methods were used to identify and gain insights into the social context of alcohol misuse in male adolescents. Two focus groups were held with eight adolescent binge drinkers. The content of the discussions were analyzed using the grounded theory method. Three key findings emerged. First, adolescents drink because they derive benefits from the use or misuse of alcohol, such as increased self-confidence and adult status. Factors which facilitate the use of alcohol include the alleviation of boredom, experimentation, peer pressure, and parental influences. Second, participants attributed negative characteristics to teetotallers such as being conservative and immature. Binge drinkers were attributed negative characteristics such as lacking self-control and self-respect. Moderate drinkers were attributed with positive characteristics such as being mature and socially adept. Finally, the influential role of alcohol promoting advertising was highlighted. Although participants minimized the effects of advertising it was clear that it played a role in their perception of themselves and of their peers especially with respect to drinking behaviors. The findings suggest some useful prevention strategies among adolescent males at risk for alcohol misuse.