Bystander Motivations and Barriers to Helping Intoxicated Peers

J Drug Educ. 2024 Sep;53(3-4):63-80. doi: 10.1177/00472379241246368. Epub 2024 Apr 17.

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of self-reported motivations and barriers to helping intoxicated peers among emerging adults (N = 377; Mage = 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: barriers; bystander interventions; emerging adults; intoxicated peers; motivations.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / epidemiology
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / psychology
  • Female
  • Helping Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Peer Group*
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult