In: Academic murals: Social work research exemplars. MASW reports 2015 (pp. 600-644), edited by Blake Gardiner, Shirley Jülich and Kathryn Hay

"This research explores tertiary students’ perceptions of binge-drinking and sexual consent in New Zealand. The existing literature surrounding the relationship between binge-drinking and sexual consent is primarily concerned with establishing causal links between alcohol consumption and ranges of sexual activity. Therefore, the specific aim of this study was to identify young peoples’ conceptualisations of how binge-drinking affects the ability to consent to sexual activity. The study was qualitative in nature and incorporated three semi-structured interviews with young tertiary students. The study found the key motivators towards binge-drinking to be increased confidence, social facilitation, and the individual pleasure associated with intoxication. In terms of binge-drinking affecting sexual activity, participants reported how intoxication facilitated the decrease of inhibitions and judgement and the increase of confidence when it came to making decisions about engaging in subsequent sexual activity subsequent to excessive alcohol consumption.
In addressing the primary research objectives, participants were able to identify what they perceived to be the issues associated with binge-drinking affecting consent. Issues stemmed from
the differing contexts that affect and negate an individual’s ability to consent to sexual activity and how alcohol has the ability to alter these conceptualisations. Further emphasis was placed on
the differing gender conceptualisations of consent and how this can lead to miscommunication or confusion about what circumstances actually convey consent. Overall, the findings of this study represent a valuable addition to the growing body of literature concerned with establishing the varying issues relating to alcohol consumption affecting consent. These young student’s perceptions have the potential to influence initiatives and interventions that seek to challenge the existing appeal and normality of binge-drinking in New Zealand society and in return, address the implications this behaviour has on overall well-being." (Author's abstract).

This research report is included in the 2015 MASW research reports monograph. "This monograph has come about due to our reflections that the research undertaken by many of the Master of Applied Social Work (MASW) students is excellent and perhaps of considerable interest to others. Therefore, we decided to collate some of the best research reports from 2015 into a monograph which would enhance accessibility for those interested in the topics and future students seeking inspiration. (From the editors' introduction). Record #5632