Factors Influencing Alcohol Use Among Sexual Minority Women in a Non-Urban Community: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

The present study used a mixed methods design to explore factors influencing alcohol use among sexual minority (lesbian, bisexual, queer, and same-sex attracted) women in a non-urban community. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 15 self-identified sexual minority women regarding the physical, social, and emotional context of two recent incidents of alcohol use. To compliment the interview responses, participants also completed the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale and Psychological Sense of LGBT Community Scale. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interview data, revealing patterns of alcohol use and influences on drinking across various contexts. The majority of reported incidents met the criteria for hazardous drinking and occurred in public LGBTQ settings. The top reported influences on alcohol use were to decrease anxiety, ease social interaction, enhance enjoyment and fun, and peer pressure to fit in. Patterns across drinking settings, influences, internalized heterosexism, and psychological sense of community are outlined. Implications for practice, research, and communities are discussed.