Investigating binge drinking using interpretative phenomenological analysis: Occupation for health or harm?

ABSTRACT

There is currently little research concerning occupations that may be detrimental rather than beneficial to health and well-being. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith & Osborn, 2003) to explore one young man's experience of binge drinking; an occupation typically associated with varying health risks. Viewing his subjective account of binge drinking through the lens of Wilcock's (1993) theory of the human need for occupation, it could be regarded as an occupation to maintain aspects of health and well-being and therefore have some constructive elements. This study lends qualified support to Wilcock's hypothesis, suggesting that the relationship between occupation, health and well-being is far more complex than much of the earlier occupational science research proposed.

目前关于对健康有害的而不是有利的休闲活动的研究寥寥无几。本研究采用解释现象分析（史密斯和奥斯本，2003）来探讨一个年轻男子的酗酒经历；这是一种典型的带有不同健康风险的休闲活动。根据威尔科克（1993）的人类需要休闲活动这一理论来看他的暴饮记录，暴饮可以被看作是一种保持健康的休闲活动，因此有一定的建设性因素。本研究有力地支持威尔科克的假说，认为休闲、健康和幸福感之间的关系远比提出很多早期休闲科学的研究所认为的更加复杂。

KEYWORDS:

• alcohol
• binge drinking
• health and well-being
• theory of the human need for occupation

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participant for his helpful insights into the world of binge drinking and Leeds Metropolitan University for supporting this study.