Young Adult Women and Alcohol-Related Problems: The Key Role of Multidimensional Feminine Norms

Abstract

Young adult college women are closing the gender gap with respect to heavy episodic drinking and alcohol-related problems. Accordingly, it is important to understand and examine the factors that help explain within-group differences in problematic drinking patterns among this vulnerable population. One promising theoretically-relevant factor that appears to explain problematic alcohol use among young adult women is conformity to multidimensional feminine norms. Feminine norms are the beliefs and/or expectations of what it means to be a woman. This review paper identifies the current trends and limitations of research examining the role of feminine norms on alcohol use among young adult women in college. The review of the literature suggests that relationship between feminine norms and alcohol problems is complex in that there are costs and benefits for endorsing and opposing different feminine norms. Women who endorse appearance and relational feminine norms such as striving to be thin, focusing on their appearance, and maintaining relationships are at heighten risk of engaging in heavy episodic drinking and alcohol problems. Women who endorse feminine norms including maintaining sexual relationships with one partner, endorse the belief that one should be modest, and sweet, and nice, and upholding domestic values are less likely to report alcohol problems. Clinical and future research recommendations are provided.