Abstract
Abstract Private self-consciousness is a relevant metacognitive capacity in the self-regulation process, with possible implications in alcohol consumption. This research verified the influence of self-reflection and insight, dimensions of private self-consciousness, on drinking behavior. A total of 523 Brazilians, aged from 20 to 39 years old, participated in a survey by answering the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale and the AUDIT test. The results showed that women have higher levels of self-reflection, whereas men have higher levels of insight. With regard to alcohol consumption, young people drink at higher risk levels than adults. Self-reflection and insight were negatively correlated with alcohol consumption. Age and gender differences in the intensity of the correlation between variables and the influence of environmental factors on the regulation of drinking behavior are discussed.
Highlights
Alcohol is the most widely used licit drug in Brazil
Significant statistical mean differences between women and men in relation to self-reflection and insight were verified, with women scoring more than men in self-reflection [t(521) = -3.45, p = .001], and men scoring more than women in insight [t(521) = 4.32, p < .001]
Concerning alcohol consumption, slightly more than half (51.4%) of the participants fit into what World Health Organization (WHO) considers as low risk, 40.5% were classified as risk, and 8.0% were sorted in a group whose behavior indicated a need for counseling (3.8%) and possible dependence (4.2%)
Summary
Alcohol is the most widely used licit drug in Brazil. Especially among young people, has potentiated the occurrence of damages and losses to individuals and society and is becoming a public health problem (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics [IBGE], 2013; Melcop, Chagas, & Agripino, 2011; World Health Organization [WHO], 2014). According to data from IBGE (2013), 24% of Brazilians aged 18 or over have a habit of consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol consumption is higher among men (36.3%), young people and adults aged from 25 to 39 years old (28.5%), closely followed by those aged from 18 to 24 years old (27.1%), and among people with higher education (30.5%).
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