Effects of alcohol portrayals in movies on actual alcohol consumption: an observational experimental study
Version of Record online: 6 DEC 2010
© 2010 The Authors, Addiction © 2010 Society for the Study of Addiction
Volume 106, Issue 3, pages 547–554, March 2011
How to Cite
Koordeman, R., Anschutz, D. J., van Baaren, R. B. and Engels, R. C. M. E. (2011), Effects of alcohol portrayals in movies on actual alcohol consumption: an observational experimental study. Addiction, 106: 547–554. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03224.x
- Issue online: 7 FEB 2011
- Version of Record online: 6 DEC 2010
- Accepted manuscript online: 6 OCT 2010 11:17AM EST
- Submitted 20 October 2009; initial review completed 13 January 2010; final version accepted 24 September 2010
- sex differences
Aims This study uses an experimental design to assess the effects of movie alcohol portrayal on alcohol consumption of young adults while watching a movie. Gender, weekly alcohol use and identification with the movie actor/character were assessed as moderators.
Design A two (sex) × two (movie: alcohol or no portrayal of alcohol) between-subject design was used.
Setting Participants watched a contemporary movie in a semi-naturalistic living room setting.
Participants A total of 122 same-sex, young adult dyads (ages 18–29 years) participated in the experiment.
Measurements Their actual alcohol consumption while watching was examined. A multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the effects of the movie condition on alcohol consumption.
Findings Assignment to movie alcohol increased alcohol consumption during the movie for men but not women. Identification and weekly alcohol consumption did not moderate the relation between movie condition and alcohol consumption.
Conclusions Viewing a movie with alcohol portrayal can lead to higher alcohol consumption in young men while watching the movie.