The importance of authenticity for student non-drinkers: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Our paper illustrates the importance of authenticity to student non-drinkers. Semi-structured interviews focussing on the lived experiences of five non-drinking students were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). We present four inter-related themes: ‘Retaining authenticity by not drinking’; ‘Tainting the self by drinking alcohol’; ‘Feeling trapped by superimposition and self-exposition’ and ‘Doing what you want with your life’. Self-authenticity informed the decision not to drink, became relevant within conversations about non-drinking, and underscored issues of choice and agency raised by alcohol consumption. Entrenched assumptions about alcohol’s self-realising utility are challenged in our discussion and future research recommendations are suggested.