Social Risks for At-Risk Drinking in Young Workers: Application of Work-Life Border Theory

Abstract

The current study evaluated work-life risks uniquely associated with at-risk drinking for younger (aged 18 to 30) versus two samples of older workers (31 to 40, and 41 or older). Measures were selected according to theories of alcohol culture (e.g., drinking norms at work) and work-life conflict. Following “work-life border” theory (Clark, 2000), an exploratory model examined relationships of these measures with at-risk drinking (ARD) and job-related hangovers (JRH) across the three age groups within a large municipality (n=587) and a sample of small businesses (n=736). Survey results showed life-to-work conflict uniquely predicted ARD for younger workers. In small businesses, younger workers reporting JRH perceived the most permissive drinking norms. Findings suggest risks differ between the small business and municipal samples, and the importance of distinguishing ARD and JRH when assessing outcomes. Results are interpreted with border theory, and discussion focuses on suggestions for prevention programming for young workers.