Temporary abstinence during Dry January: predictors of success; impact on well-being and self-efficacy
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Abstract
Background
Temporary alcohol-free periods convey physiological benefits. Less well-known are its effects on well-being and general self-efficacy (GSE), and how use of support during alcohol-free challenges affects success rates.
Methods
In this study, 4232 adults participating in ‘Dry January’ completed a baseline questionnaire and a 1-month follow-up questionnaire.
Key follow-up variables related to whether respondents completed the abstinence challenge, their use of support provided by Dry January, and changes in well-being and general self-efficacy.
Analyses also examined whether well-being and general self-efficacy explained variance in the likelihood of completing Dry January not accounted for by other variables known to be linked with successful attempts at Dry January.
Results
Participation in Dry January was associated with increases in well-being and general self-efficacy among all respondents: these changes were larger among people who successfully completed the challenge.
In multivariate analysis, greater use of email support was a significant independent correlate of completing Dry January.
Conclusions
This paper adds to growing evidence that support provided through organised alcohol-free challenges is linked with changes in beliefs linked to high-risk alcohol use. However, there is a need for further research to help us to understand what forms of support are most effective for different alcohol consumers.