Gender stereotypes and drinking cognitions as indicators of moderate and high risk drinking among young women and men

The study examined differences in gender stereotypes, restrained drinking and self-efficacy for alcohol refusal between moderate and high risk drinkers among a university sample of 301 women and 118 men. Both female and male high risk drinkers displayed a response conflict, typified by high scores on restrained drinking but low scores on self-efficacy. This pattern of response conflict was more pronounced for high risk drinking women, who also identified poorly with feminine traits (e.g. &lsquo;nurturing&rsquo;, &lsquo;love children&rsquo;, &lsquo;appreciative&rsquo;). The findings are discussed in relation to society\u27s double standard that accepts intoxication in men but condemns it in women.<br /