Exploring the Link Between General and Workplace Descriptive Norms and Alcohol Consumption Among Recent College Graduates

Descriptive norms are strongly related to college students’ alcohol use; however, less is known how descriptive norms relate to alcohol use once individuals matriculate from college. In addition, once individuals graduate from college and enter the workforce, the social norms of the workplace may impact one's alcohol use. The aim of the current study was to examine whether the specificity of the perceived descriptive norm (i.e., general or workplace) and the normative referent (coworker/manager) were associated with young adults’ general alcohol use and workplace alcohol use. The current study utilizes the last wave of data from a longitudinal study of college students. Data was restricted to those who graduated from college and who were working (N = 720; 60.6% woman). General coworker descriptive norms was significantly associated with participant drinking frequency, but not heavy drinking frequency, maximum drinks, or alcohol-related consequences. Workplace coworker norms was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of drinking at work and with being under the influence of alcohol at work. The current study has important implications for alcohol-based interventions in the workplace. Correcting misperceptions of coworkers’ workplace alcohol use or reducing the prevalence of coworkers’ workplace alcohol use will reduce alcohol-related harm to the individual.