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National College Health Assessment Measuring Negative Alcohol-Related Consequences among College Students
Abstract
Alcohol-related consequences among students have been a source of concern for colleges nationwide. Prior research shows that alcohol may lower a person’s inhibitions and reduce their capacity to make responsible, safe decisions [1]. As such, as a student’s alcohol consumption increases, so may his or her odds of engaging in risky behaviors that may yield negative consequences such as alcohol poising, and sexual related consequences (e.g. STIs, pregnancies, rape, etc.). In the present study, 923 college students were surveyed at a regional university in the South (67% female, 31% male) about their alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences they have experienced. Older female college students reported experiencing more negative alcohol-related consequences than males. Students who participated in intramural sports, were associated with a Greek organization, were involved in an abusive relationship, had increased perceived stress, or who suffered from depression reported significantly more alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences. In contrast, college students that received higher grade point averages reported less consumption of alcohol and experienced fewer negative alcohol-related consequences.
Two scales were used as predictors of negative consequence of student drinking behaviors. The depressive symptoms scale included 11 items such as, “Have you ever felt very lonely,” “Have you ever felt very sad,” and “Have you ever felt so depressed it was difficult to function?” These items were coded, 0 “Never,” 1 “Not in the last 12 months,” 2 “In the past 12 months,” 3 “In the last 30 days,” 4 “In the last 2 weeks.” The mean of these 11 items was computed to represent a mean depressive symptom score (Cronbach’s α = 0.87). The stress scale included a series of 12 items which began, “Within the last 12 months, has any of the following been traumatic or very difficult for you to handle” and continued with items such as, “Academics,” “Family problems,” and “Finances.” These items were coded 0 “No” and 1 “Yes.” A sum score was computed to indicate the number of stressful life events that each participant experienced in the past 12 months (Cronbach’s α = 0.82). Finally, the predictor Emotional abuse was measured with the item, “Within the past 12 months, have you been in an intimate (couple/partnered) relationship that was emotionally abusive? (e.g. called derogatory names, yelled at, ridiculed?)” Responses to this item were coded 0 “No” and 1 “Yes”.
... Ehrlich, Haque, Swisher-McClure, and Helmkamp (2006) found college students are very likely to have alcohol-related problems such as deaths, injuries, crimes, sexual assaults, and physical assaults. According to Foster, Caravelis, and Kopak (2014) alcohol consequences in students have been a serious concern of colleges and universities in the United States. College student drinking patterns have received a great deal of attention because research has shown that college students who frequently participate in drinking games and associated activities are increasingly at risk for alcohol poisoning, sexual assault and other sexual related consequences, and other negative alcohol related consequences like harming oneself or others. ...
... Alcohol-related consequences among college students Foster et al. (2014) viewed the relationship between stress, protective factors, and alcohol consequences. This differs from the previous article that solely looked at the relationship between alcohol consequences and protective factors. ...
... Also female students who are engaging in protective drinking factors may have fewer mental health symptoms when compared to female students that do not use protective factors. The results of this study compliment the Foster et al. (2014) research that suggested that students who experience high levels of stress or involved in an abusive relationship they were more likely to experience alcohol-related consequences. Foster et al.'s (2014) research suggested that the relationship between stress and mental health problems happens by way of alcohol use and consequences. ...
College drinking is a public health dilemma affecting the nation’s institutions of higher education. This article assesses the relationship between mental health symptoms and alcohol consequences experienced by college drinkers. It is a secondary data analysis of the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA II) Spring 2011 Executive Summary Data Set. The ACHA-NCHA II is a nationally recognized survey that supports colleges and universities in the data collection of their students’ mental, physical, and sexual health habits, behaviors, and perceptions of the campus wellness. A linear regression analysis test was used to test the relationship between the number of mental health symptoms and alcohol consequences. This article assesses whether male college students have more mental health symptoms when they experience alcohol consequences when compared to female college students. This study found female college students experience more mental health problem symptoms associated with alcohol consequences.
... With a focus on casual sex, one of the possible alcoholrelated consequences, this experience increased depressive symptoms in female students more than in male students [55]. Accordingly, it can be assumed that female students felt guilty or remorse in this situation and felt that they had violated social expectations [56]. ...
... In other words, blackouts showed direct and indirect effects on depression in young adults [78]. Focusing on other alcohol-related consequences, the experience of casual sex also increased depressive symptoms in females more than in males [55], while guilt, remorse, feelings that violated societal expectations played an important role in this situation [56]. Last but not least, the findings of this study are close to the knowledge that alcohol use disorder may increase the risk of subsequent depressive disorder [40,41]. ...
In general, the Czech and Slovak Republic are among the countries with increased alcohol consumption. It is clear that increased consumption can predict the occurrence of negative consequences that may subsequently be associated with various mental disorders. One of these mental disorders is depression, which is common in young adults and brings difficulties into their lives that can turn into problems in the future. The study examined the relationship between alcohol-related consequences and depressive symptoms in a sample of university students from the Czech and Slovak Republics in order to map the situation in these regions, where this problem is still ignored (n = 2514; CZE = 47.5%). The research included data from standardized questionnaires, namely the Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), which can predict alcohol use problems, and Health Questionnaire of depression (PHQ-9). The data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding sex differences, a higher YAACQ score was found in males and, conversely, a higher PHQ-9 score was identified in females. The results of correlation and regression analyses revealed significant associations between the scores in the individual YAACQ subscales and the PHQ-9 score, while low to moderate correlations were found in most cases. In all cases, positive trajectories were identified, meaning that the increased risk of depressive disorder can be associated with experience in selected dimensions of alcohol-related consequences. Stronger associations occurred in females than in males. In terms of practical implications, high priority was given to prevention programs and counseling. Professionals’ efforts to help young people should be sex-oriented, while females were more vulnerable to depression, males were prone to the consequences of alcohol use.
... Students with high GPAs were less likely to consume alcohol. These students did not experience problems related to alcohol consumption (Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2014). ...
... Students with the higher G.P.A.s consumed less alcohol per occasion. This finding relates to previous research (Foster et al., 2014). A one-way ANOVA did not show a significant difference between students for residence, that is, students living on campus or off campus for SELCON. ...
... Alcohol use in social settings may also change and could affect early risk detection and resistance; however, it is hard without further research to know whether this would lessen or increase the risks experienced by students in their 20s and 30s. Alcohol consumption is generally higher for older students than for younger ones (Foster et al., 2014) but the party culture of the early years of university is more intense (Flack et al., 2008). Thus, the relationship between alcohol and sexual assault for older students is likely to be complicated and requires further study. ...
Background: In a multi-site randomized controlled trial (RCT), the EAAA programme designed for first year university women (17–24 years old) was shown to reduce the likelihood of any (attempted and completed) rape in the next year by 50% (Senn, C. Y., Eliasziw, M., Barata, P. C., Thurston, W. E., Newby-Clark, I. R., Radtke, H. L., & Hobden, K. L. (2015). Efficacy of a sexual assault resistance program for university women. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(24), 2326–2335). Through a non-profit organization, EAAA has been available to universities globally since 2016 using a Train-the-Trainer model. Observations of the ‘real world’ implementation suggested that universities often altered eligibility criteria (especially year of study and age) in their recruitment.
Objective: The current study (2017–2021) evaluated whether EAAA was effective when implemented by universities in Canada outside of the constraints of an RCT.
Method: Five universities participated. Women students who signed up to take the EAAA programme on their campuses were recruited for the research. Participants completed surveys at 1-week pre-program and 1-week and 6-months post-programme. Compared to the RCT, participant eligibility was broader, the sample was more diverse in terms of race and sexual identity and had a higher proportion of survivors. Programme fidelity was adequate.
Results: Comparisons in this quasi-experimental design, between students who took the programme and students in the control group (i.e. those who signed up but did not attend the programme), confirmed the effectiveness of the EAAA programme. Reduction of any rape exceeded the a priori benchmark of 37.5%. Completed rape was significantly reduced by 57.3% at 6-months. Reduction in attempted rape of 32.9% was lower than in the RCT likely due to the somewhat older (average age 22 vs 18) sample. Positive changes to previously established mediators of the programme effects were all replicated.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that the EAAA is highly effective when implemented by universities even when eligibility for students in terms of year of study and age is broadened.
... Sabe-se que as condutas de saúde, estabelecidas durante a adolescência e juventude, podem influenciar na ocorrência de doenças futuras (Franca & Colares, 2008), com consequências duradouras para o indivíduo e para sua saúde. Durante a fase de engajamento na universidade, estes acadêmicos tendem a adotar condutas pouco saudáveis de saúde (Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2014). Isso porque mudanças como maior independência, novas responsabilidades, ou ainda o questionamento de valores, crenças e atitudes, podem acarretar mudanças no seu estilo de vida, como a adoção de condutas negativas de saúde (Dennhardt & Murphy, 2013). ...
The aim of this study was to identify the academic profile of students in an undergraduate course in the Physical Education Program based on their lifestyle (LS). A total of 157 university students of a Brazilian public university participated in this study. Research tools used were the Fantastic Lifestyle Assessment and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Cluster analysis and Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests were used for data analysis. A 95% confidence level was adopted in all analyses. Results showed four distinct lifestyle groups. Group 1 presented a positive LS in the following dimensions: physical activity (p <0.001) and stress (p <0.001), while Group 2 had a positive LS in the following dimensions: family, stress, illicit drugs, behavior, insight, and work. In Group 3, students showed a negative LS behavior in the following dimensions: stress, insight, illicit drugs, behavior, and work, while students in Group 4 presented a negative LS behavior in the following dimensions: physical activity and stress. It is important to highlight that the age group had a significant association with student groups, since Groups 1 and 2 were comprised of senior university students. The different profiles of physical education students may be linked to the phenomenon reflected in most dimensions in the instrument assessment; in addition, age is a predominant factor to differentiate the groups that present positive and negative behaviors regarding LS.
... Por outro lado, a literatura tem apontado que a diminuição no nível de atividade física de escolares é um dos mais importantes fatores que influenciam na baixa aptidão física (Foster, Caravelis & Kopak 2014). O aumento do comportamento sedentário e do tempo de tela podem levar a uma diminuição nas capacidades físicas como força, velocidade, agilidade, flexibilidade, potência e resistência aeróbia (Lopes, Krug, Bonetti & Mazo, 2016;Mello, da Silva Hernanez, Farias, dos Santos Pinheiro & Bergmann, 2015;Inchley & Currie, 2013). ...
Resumo A aptidão física e parâmetros antropométricos têm sido associados ao aproveitamento acadêmico e melhoria da função cognitiva. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi de associar a função executiva, antropometria e aptidão física de escolares com idades entre 11 e 15 anos. Para tanto, 179 estudantes (85 meninas e 94 meninos) (13,18 ± 1,26 anos; 49,73 ± 12,30 kg; 159,21 ± 9,40 cm; 19,46 ± 3,79 kg/m²) foram submetidos a mensurações antropométricas (massa corporal, estatura e circunferência da cintura, com posterior cálculo de índice de massa corporal e relação cintura-estatura), realizaram dois testes cognitivos (Teste de Stroop e Teste de Trilhas) e realizaram uma bateria de testes físicos (PROESP-BR). Os dados foram analisados no SPSS versão 22.0 por meio de estatística descritiva e Correlação de Spearman. O nível de significância adotado foi de p<0,05. Os resultados indicaram que a maior parte dos escolares apresentou baixo desempenho nos testes de aptidão física. Nenhuma associação significativa foi encontrada entre as variáveis antropométricas e o tempo para completar os testes cognitivos. Por outro lado, correlações significativas negativas foram observadas na associação entre os testes de aptidão física e os testes cognitivos, indicando que participantes com melhor aptidão física necessitam de menos tempo para completar os testes cognitivos. Conclui-se que escolares com idades entre 11 e 15 anos apresentam baixa aptidão física. Ademais, foram observadas correlações negativas significativas entre a aptidão física e o tempo para completar os testes cognitivos. * J.
... (4) A passagem dos jovens do ensino secundário para o ensino universitário representa mais um passo na sua progressiva autonomia, (3,4) esta maior autonomia em relação à família, sobretudo nos estudantes deslocados, implica também uma maior responsabilidade nas suas opções de vida, verificando-se muitas vezes o questionar de convicções, crenças e valores por estes jovens adultos levando-os a adotar comportamentos pouco saudáveis. (5,6) Estes comportamentos prendem-se com o consumo de substâncias e práticas sexuais condizentes a oportunidades e práticas de risco, nomeadamente o uso inconsistente de métodos contraceptivos e do preservativo, a existência de parceiros ocasionais e a associação entre o consumo de álcool e/ou drogas e comportamentos sexuais. (5,(7)(8)(9) A prevalência destes riscos tem vindo a aumentar em particular nos jovens adultos, (4) constituindo um importante problema de saúde pública que tem sido alvo de vários trabalhos de investigação, que procuram compreender os fatores subjacentes à adoção de comportamentos de risco pelos jovens, constituindo um grupo social prioritário de intervenção. ...
Objective:
To investigate how the current law on sex education has affected the sex life of young adults in Higher Education on the basis of protective, prophylactic, and sexual and reproductive health surveillance behaviors.
Method:
This was a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study with a non-probability sample of convenience consisting of 365 Higher Education students from Northern Portugal. We included students attending the first year of Teaching Degree programs, therefore, younger students who would have had their Secondary Education under Law no. 60/2009 (August 6) would be included (this Law currently regulates sex education in schools). Data were collected using a questionnaire, which was submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with a confidence level of 95%.
Results:
For sexual and reproductive health, health services are rarely sought: only 28.7% of respondents have participate in family planning appointments, and women reported seek it more often (Χ²= 41.085 and p<0.000) than men. The university's health services are even more rarely sought (13.7%), and women also seek it more often than men (11.2% versus 2.5%). Of participants, 29.6% of sexually active students do not systematically use contraceptive methods, and this behavior is more prevalent among men (Χ²= 9.950 e p=0.002).
Conclusion:
Protective sexual behaviors are rarely present. The study recommends any interventions targeting young adults that should go beyond genital anatomy and need to introduce a holistic and integrating viewing of sexuality.
... Se sabe que las conductas de salud establecidas durante la adolescencia y la juventud pueden influir en la aparición de enfermedades futuras (Franca y Colares, 2008), con consecuencias permanentes para el individuo y su salud. Durante la fase de participación universitaria, estos académicos tienden a adoptar conductas poco benéficas para la salud (Foster, Caravelis y Kopak, 2014 acarrear cambios en su estilo de vida, como la adopción de conductas negativas para la salud (Dennhardt y Murphy, 2013). ...
El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los perfiles académicos del curso de bachillerato en educación física según el estilo de vida (EV). Un total de 157 estudiantes universitarios de una universidad pública brasileña participaron en este estudio. Los instrumentos de investigación fueron: la Escala del estilo de vida “FANTASTICO” y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Para el estudio de datos, se utilizó el análisis de Cluster y las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y Chi-Square. En todos los análisis, se adoptó un nivel de significación de 95%. Los resultados mostraron cuatro grupos distintos con respecto al estilo de vida, como siguen: el grupo 1 presentó EV positivo en las dimensiones de actividad física (p <0.001) y estrés (p <0.001), el grupo 2 presentó EV positivo en las dimensiones de familia, estrés, drogas ilícitas, comportamiento, introspección y trabajo, en el grupo 3, los estudiantes presentaron comportamientos negativos de EV en las dimensiones de estrés, introspección, drogas ilícitas, comportamiento, introspección y trabajo; finalmente, los estudiantes en el grupo 4 presentaron comportamientos negativos de VE en las dimensiones de actividad física y estrés. Se señala que el grupo de edad presentó una asociación significativa con los grupos de estudiantes, y los grupos 2 y 3 estaban compuestos por estudiantes universitarios mayores. Los diferentes perfiles de los estudiantes de Educación Física pueden estar vinculados al fenómeno reflejado en la mayoría de las dimensiones compuestas en la evaluación del instrumento, y la edad es un factor predominante para diferenciar los grupos que presentaron comportamientos positivos y negativos con respecto al EV.
... Sabe-se que as condutas de saúde estabelecidas durante a adolescência e juventude podem influenciar na ocorrência de doenças futuras(Franca & Colares, 2008), com consequências duradouras para o indivíduo e para sua saúde. Durante a fase de engajamento na universidade estes acadêmicos tendem a adotar condutas pouco saudáveis de saúde(Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2014). Isto porque mudanças como maior independência, novasArtigo recuperado de www.revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/pem/ ...
O objetivo deste estudo foi de identificar os perfis de acadêmicos do curso de bacharelado em educação física conforme o estilo de vida (EV). Participaram deste estudo 157 universitários de uma universidade pública brasileira. Os instrumentos de pesquisa foram: a “Escala do Estilo de Vida Fantástico” e um questionário sociodemográfico. Para a análise de dados utilizou-se a Análise de Cluster e os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Qui-Quadrado. Em todas as analises adotou-se nível de significância de 95%. Os resultados evidenciaram quatro grupos distintos no que se refere ao estilo de vida, sendo que o Grupo 1 apresentou EV positivo nas dimensões: atividade física e estresse. O Grupo 2 apresentou o EV positivo nas dimensões: família, estresse, drogas ilícitas, comportamento, introspecção e trabalho. No Grupo 3 os estudantes apresentaram comportamento negativos do EV nas dimensões: estresse, introspecção, drogas ilícitas, comportamento, introspecção e trabalho. Por fim, os discentes no Grupo 4 apresentaram comportamentos negativos do EV nas dimensões: atividade física e estresse. Destaca-se que faixa etária apresentou associação significativa com os grupos de estudantes, sendo que os Grupos 1 e 2 eram compostos por universitários mais velhos. Os diferentes perfis de estudantes de Educação Física podem estar vinculados ao fenômeno espelhado na maioria das dimensões compostas na avaliação do instrumento, sendo que a idade é um fator preponderante para diferenciar os grupos que apresentaram comportamentos positivos e negativos frente ao EV.
... Researchers and university administrators continue to search for strategies to reduce risky college drinking (Dawson, Grant, Stinson, & Chou, 2004;Merrill & Carey, 2016;Schulenberg et al., 2017;White & Hingson, 2013) in order to protect students from serious consequences including alcohol related injuries (Caamaño-Isorna et al., 2017), sexual assault (Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2013), blackouts, missed classes and work, and illness (Hingson, Zha, Simons-Morton, & White, 2016). Personalized normative feedback (PNF), which uses feedback to correct students' misperceived peer drinking norms and subsequently reduce drinking behavior, is one of the most researched and empiricallyvalidated interventions to reduce risky college student drinking (Dotson, Dunn, & Bowers, 2015;Lewis & Neighbors, 2006;Miller et al., 2013). ...
Virtual copresence, or the sense of being with others in an online space, is a feeling induced on many apps and websites through user avatars and browsable profile pages. Despite the small/modest effect sizes observed in popular web-based personalized normative feedback (PNF) alcohol interventions for college students, previous research has yet to consider how copresence might boost efficacy. This study builds on previous PNF gamification work to investigate whether specific copresence features (visual and text-based information about peers) increase PNF's ability to reduce alcohol use relative to a standard PNF condition and a gamified PNF condition. Copresence and perceptions of drinking norms (average drinks, peak drinks, and binge episodes) were assessed during a 3-week period following random assignment of college students (N = 235) to 1 of the 4 web-based PNF conditions (Standard PNF, Gamified PNF Only, Gamified PNF + Visual Copresence, and Gamified PNF + Maximum Copresence). These conditions asked the same questions about drinking and delivered identical PNF on alcohol use, but differed in the level of visual and text-based information about peers. Overall, only the gamified condition that featured maximum copresence significantly reduced drinking outcomes relative to standard PNF. However, conditional effects were moderated by pre-intervention drinking. Among heavier pre-intervention drinkers, both gamified conditions that featured copresence significantly improved upon Standard PNF in reducing alcohol use at follow-up. Findings suggest that including social media-like copresence features to visually represent and provide basic information about the peers contributing to the norms can enhance the efficacy of gamified PNF interventions, especially among high-risk heavy drinkers.
... Historically, college men have been more likely than college women to engage in excessive alcohol consumption and as a result experience higher rates of alcohol-related negative consequences (Walters, Roudsari, Vader, & Harris, 2007), but evidence is mounting that the difference in drinking behaviors and experiencing negative consequences between the sexes is narrowing among college students (Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2014;Harrell & Karim, 2008). Lawrence, Abel, and Hall (2010) reported no significant difference between the sexes in drinking patterns, including getting drunk, or the protective behaviors used to minimize harms while drinking. ...
Background: Few studies have explored changing patterns of alcohol consumption among young females and differences based on race/ethnicity. Objective: This study examined differences in alcohol consumption between black and white undergraduate females and compared trends in three different measures of alcohol consumption over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014. Methods: The CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey was used to collect data from female undergraduates attending a public university in the northeastern USA. Classes were randomly selected into the sample; class acceptance was 68% and student participation was 96%. The chi-square test examined differences between groups and the Cochrane Armitage Test for Trend assessed changes over time. Results: In 2014, for every measure of alcohol consumption examined, a significantly larger percentage of white females engaged in the behavior compared to black females. Trend analysis from 2004 to 2014 demonstrated a narrowing of this gap. Controlling for age, any alcohol use in past 30 days and binge drinking in the past 2 weeks increased significantly for black females 21 years or older. Any alcohol use in the past 30 days decreased significantly for white females under 21 years. Conclusion: These findings introduce many questions which should be explored through additional research.
... Heavy drinking on college campuses remains a serious public health problem responsible for more than 500,000 injuries, 600,000 physical assaults, 80,000 sexual assaults, and 2,000 deaths annually. [1][2][3] Because perceptions of peers' drinking and positive alcohol-related attitudes are among the strongest predictors of college students' future drinking 4,5 , but students tend to overestimate these norms 6-8 , interventions designed to correct misperceived drinking norms have become popular strategies for reducing alcohol-related risks. However, these interventions have led to only modest reductions in students' drinking 6,9-11 and research suggests that popular social networking sites (SNSs) may be to blame. ...
Objective:
Examine 1) whether observed social reinforcements (i.e., "likes") received by peers' alcohol-related social media posts are related to first-year college students' perceptions of peer approval for risky drinking behaviors; and 2) whether associations are moderated by students' alcohol use status.
Participants:
First-year university students (N = 296) completed an online survey in September, 2014.
Method:
Participants reported their own alcohol use, friends' alcohol use, perceptions of the typical student's approval for risky drinking, and ranked 10 types of social media posts in terms of the relative numbers of "likes" received when posted by peers.
Results:
Observed social reinforcement (i.e., "likes") for peers' alcohol-related posts predicted perceptions of peer approval for risky drinking behaviors among non-drinking students, but not drinking students.
Conclusions:
For first-year college students who have not yet initiated drinking, observing peers' alcohol-related posts to receive abundant "likes" may increase perceptions of peer approval for risky drinking.
... Students with high GPAs were less likely to consume alcohol. These students did not experience problems related to alcohol consumption (Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2014). ...
... Historically, drinking larger amounts of alcohol and frequent instances of binge drinking result in more severe alcohol-related consequences for drinkers (Burke et al., 2010;Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2013;Hingson et al., 2009). Although studentathletes in the current sample tended to drink less alcohol and have fewer instances of binge drinking, student-athletes and the nonathlete group did not differ on levels of alcohol-related consequences. ...
Weight-conscious drinking is the use of disordered eating behaviors in anticipation of or as compensation for calories consumed during alcohol use. The aim of the current study is to assess the relationship between weight-conscious drinking, athletic status, and sport type. Participants were 295 college students (82 male and 213 female; Mage = 20.10) from a midsized Midwestern university. Participants completed an online survey that included items assessing alcohol consumption, the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and the Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale (CEBRACS). In comparison with nonathletes, student-athletes had lower EAT-26 and CEBRACS scores; RAPI scores did not differ between the two groups. Lean-sport athletes differed concerning CEBRACS diet/exercise subscales in comparison with nonlean-sport athletes.
... Students with high GPAs were less likely to consume alcohol. These students did not experience problems related to alcohol consumption (Foster, Caravelis, & Kopak, 2014). ...
This article addresses curriculum infusion related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism
prevention on college and university campuses. Students relate to this real-life issue.
A good way to begin or enhance curriculum infusion is for professors to present lectures
relating to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. This provides students with the requisite
knowledge for additional in-class activities, such as class assignments, real life case
analyses, guest speakers, games, and so forth. A typology based on research offers
professors a guideline for developing lectures.
... This increases the risk of pregnancy, HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases (Mogotsi 2011;Pithey and Morojele 2002). According to Foster et al. (2014) females are more likely to experience negative outcomes linked to alcohol use than males. For instance, females are more vulnerable to HIV infection because of the large area of mucous membrane around the vagina (Maponyane 2012). ...
The excessive drinking of alcohol by students, enrolled in institutions of higher learning, is an issue which has been reported in literature globally. As South Africa has a very high alcohol consumption rate per capita, this problem is compounded. This study aimed to gain knowledge and understanding of alcohol use amongst first year students enrolled at an emerging university in South Africa. A quantitative research approach using a crosssectional survey design was utilised. Open-ended questions were added to the survey protocol to add a holistic element to the research. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Chi square test and an independent t-test. Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) was used to analyse data gleaned from open-ended questions. Results indicated that first year students aged 18-26 years (SD=3.37) used alcohol with negative academic and social consequences. Male and female students reported similar drinking patterns in terms of when, how much and the types of alcohol they drink. The majority of students acknowledged that moderate and responsible alcohol consumption is necessary. However, this does not generally translate into responsible drinking behaviours.
... Binge drinking-a risky pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 2004)-is responsible for more than half the 80, 000 deaths caused by excessive alcohol use in the USA annually (Center for Disease Control 2012). Most common among college-aged individuals (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2014), excessive alcohol ingestion is associated with many negative outcomes, including economic (Rehm et al. 2009) and legal burdens (McCutcheon et al. 2011), health problems (Foster et al. 2014), and alcoholrelated deaths (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 2013). ...
Binge drinking is associated with many health and financial costs and is linked to risks of legal consequences. As alcohol use typically is initiated during adolescence, the current study assessed the relationship between parental behaviors and strategies in forecasting adolescents’ likelihood of binge drinking and later arrest. Restricted data from waves I–IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to assess hypotheses. A weighted path analytic model (N = 9421) provided a multifaceted picture of variables linked to later antisocial behavior. Low parental monitoring, low parental warmth, parent alcohol use, and parent expectancies regarding their children’s alcohol use were associated with higher incidence of adolescent binge drinking. In turn, low monitoring, low warmth, parent alcohol use, parent expectancies, and underage consumption were associated with binge drinking in early adulthood. Binge drinking during both adolescence and young adulthood were predictive of respondents’ likelihood of arrest 8–14 years later. Findings demonstrated the substantial, enduring effects of parental behaviors on child alcohol-related actions and have implications for parent-targeted interventions designed to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. They suggest campaigns focus on parenting strategies that involve setting effective and strict alcohol-related rules and guidelines, while maintaining a warm and supportive family environment.
... This increases the risk of pregnancy, HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases (Mogotsi 2011;Pithey and Morojele 2002). According to Foster et al. (2014) females are more likely to experience negative outcomes linked to alcohol use than males. For instance, females are more vulnerable to HIV infection because of the large area of mucous membrane around the vagina (Maponyane 2012). ...
Objective: College students engage in high rates of risky substance use. Standard college prevention strategies focus on providing feedback about current substance use behaviors and harm reduction strategies but do not address the underlying genetically-influenced risk factors impacting these behaviors. We created an online Personalized Feedback Program (PFP) for college students that targets genetically-influenced externalizing and internalizing risk pathways and provides personalized recommendations and campus resources. College students received personalized feedback on four risk domains (Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, Extraversion, and Neuroticism). Methods: An open trial (n = 300) was conducted at a large public university in spring of 2021 to assess initial responses to the PFP and evaluate intentions related to future substance use and campus resource use. Results: 81% of students in the open trial reported they enjoyed the Personalized Feedback Program. Participants reported intending to use significantly more campus resources after completing the PFP. Among participants that drank, 39% reported they intended to decrease their alcohol consumption and 41% reported they intended to decrease the number of times they get drunk after completing the PFP; these intentions to reduce use after completing the PFP are higher than rates found in previous studies. Conclusion: Preliminary data indicate that the Personalized Feedback Program may be a complementary method to enhance current college substance use prevention programs.
A literacia em saúde (LS) é hoje uma importante ferramenta na promoção da saúde e prevenção da doença. O presente estudo, exploratório e correlacional, tem como objetivos: caracterizar os estudantes do ensino superior (ES) relativamente aos seus níveis de LS e de LS digital (e-LS); explorar suas relações com a utilização de redes sociais e comportamentos de saúde; explorar possíveis preditores de LS e e-LS. Participaram no estudo 125 estudantes de diversos cursos, que responderam a instrumentos de autorrelato. Os resultados mostraram níveis de LS em geral acima dos encontrados na população portuguesa, mas abaixo dos níveis de LS nas faixas etárias em que se inserem esses estudantes. Do total de participantes, 42,9% apresentam valores inadequados ou problemáticos, o que constitui uma oportunidade estratégica para a promoção da LS no contexto do ES. O nível de escolaridade da mãe e o próprio sofrer de uma doença crônica revelaram-se preditores significativos da e-LS. As tecnologias digitais podem ser utilizadas como um adequado meio de promoção da saúde dos estudantes do ES, sendo fundamental a identificação de outros preditores de LS e e-LS. As universidades devem incluir a LS nos seus currículos, num conceito alargado de promoção da saúde no ES.
Palavras-chave: Literacia em saúde. Literacia em saúde digital. Redes sociais. Ensino superior.
Objectives:
We build on findings from terror management theory to examine how non-conscious mortality concerns may lead individuals to adhere to cultural meanings yoked to discrete time periods, in this case influencing consumption of an ostensibly alcoholic beverage.
Design:
The study took the form of a 2 (death vs. uncertainty reminder) × 3 (Monday vs. Wednesday vs. Friday) between-subjects laboratory-based quasi-experimental design.
Methods:
A total of 210 participants (age: M = 21.92 years, SD = 5.33; 103 males and 107 females) recruited from a UK university answered either an open-ended question to prime mortality or uncertainty cognition on either a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. As part of an ostensible taste test, they then consumed as much or as little of a purportedly alcoholic drink as they desired.
Results:
Death reminders (vs. control topic) were found to result in more consumption of the beverage on a Friday, less consumption on a Monday, and no difference in consumption on a Wednesday.
Conclusions:
Findings point to the flexible, time-contingent nature of culture-oriented defences against mortality concerns with potential implications for the efficacy of alcohol health warnings featuring mortality-related stimuli. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Death reminders can spur people to adhere to cultural scripts for behaviour in the service of maintaining existential security. Death reminders can lead people to consume alcohol (particularly for those who are low in self-esteem). What does this study add? Death reminders may lead people to adhere to temporally yoked scripts related to drinking behaviour. Specifically, death reminders led to more positive drinking attitudes and more alcohol consumed on Friday compared to Monday or Wednesday. Cultural script following may be specifically tied to non-conscious mortality awareness.
Late adolescence is a time of increased drinking, and alcohol plays a predominant role in college social experiences. Colleges seeking to prevent students’ hazardous drinking may elect to implement brief alcohol interventions (BAIs). However, numerous manualized BAIs exist, so an important question remains regarding the comparative effectiveness of these different types of BAIs for college students. This study uses network meta-analyses (NMA) to compare seven manualized BAIs for reducing problematic alcohol use among college students. We systematically searched multiple sources for literature, and we screened studies and extracted data in duplicate. For the quantitative synthesis, we employed a random-effects frequentist NMA to determine the effectiveness of different BAIs compared to controls and estimated the relative effectiveness ranking of each BAI. A systematic literature search resulted in 52 included studies: On average, 58% of participants were male, 75% were binge drinkers, and 20% were fraternity/sorority-affiliated students. Consistency models demonstrated that BASICS was consistently effective in reducing students’ problematic alcohol use (ES range: g = − 0.23, 95%CI [− 0.36, − 0.16] to g = − 0.36, 95% CI [− 0.55, − 0.18]), but AlcoholEDU (g = − 0.13, 95%CI [− 0.22, − 0.04]), e-CHUG (g = − 0.35, 95%CI [− 0.45, − 0.05]), and THRIVE (g = − 0.47, 95%CI [− 0.60, − 0.33]) were also effective for some outcomes. Intervention rankings indicated that BASICS, THRIVE, and AlcoholEDU hold the most promise for future trials. Several BAIs appear effective for college students. BASICS was the most effective but is resource intensive and may be better suited for higher risk students; THRIVE and e-CHUG are less resource intensive and show promise for universal prevention efforts.
Background: Heavy drinking is linked to a number of deleterious consequences, many of which carry the possibility of regret: a negative cognitive emotion involving self-blame. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine who among undergraduates is most likely to experience alcohol-related regret. Method: Data were taken from an online survey of undergraduates (N = 354) from a Midwestern university. Results: Though both men and women were more likely to report alcohol-related regret when they engaged in drinking to get drunk, participation in Greek life and intercollegiate sports were significant predictors of alcohol-related regret for women. Discussion: Behavioral intentions matter, and when students drink with the intention of getting drunk, they are more likely to experience situations that can compromise their health and safety and jeopardize the networks that bind them to the university. The strength of reference groups and peer norms may also influence college women’s behavioral choices. Translation to Health Education Practice: A harm reduction approach may be best suited to the effective management of student alcohol use. When centered within the social contexts that are most influential to students (eg, sororities/fraternities, sports teams), group programming efforts may have the greatest potential impact.
This study examined whether being in a romantic relationship is associated with undergraduates’ alcohol use and negative consequences of drinking. Alcohol use was operationalized to include amount and frequency of drinking, binge drinking, and drunkenness. Negative consequences included: having a hangover, missing a class, getting behind in school work, doing something that was later regretted, forgetting where the student was or what they did, having unplanned sex, and getting hurt or injured. Data came from an online survey distributed to Midwestern undergraduate students (N = 572), with analyses conducted separately for men and women. Results indicated that being in a committed relationship generally served as a protective factor against drunkenness, but did not reduce frequency of drinking or binge drinking. Whereas romantically committed men were only less likely to report doing something that was later regretted, women in romantic relationships were less likely to experience all negative consequences of drinking considered here.
Alcohol is known to make people merry, more outgoing and it is actually a depressant of the central nervous system. This paper determines whether alcoholism affects UNIVEN female students’ academic performance. The research paper employed qualitative design data collection methods. Snowball sampling was used to select six participants who were all University of Venda students. Snowball sampling method was considered suitable for this paper as it was difficult to locate people who drank excessively and who were willing to participate in the study. Data was collected from female students who drank alcohol and were in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level of their study. Data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that daily life challenges faced by female students lead them to drink alcohol which leads to numerous consequences. It has been recommended that drinking alcohol should be avoided since it is very dangerous to the lives of people, especially female students.
O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre comportamentos de risco para a saúde e fatores sociodemográficos de estudantes universitários de Educação Física. A amostra foi constituída por 403 estudantes do curso de Educação Física de uma universidade do norte-central do Paraná, Brasil. Como instrumentos foram utilizados um inquérito para caracterização sociodemográfica dos participantes e o National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRBS). Para análise de dados utilizou-se Qui-Quadrado 2x2 e Odds Ratio, adotando como critério de significância estatística p
The purpose of this exploratory study was to assess incidence of alcohol use by occupational therapy students, their likelihood of engagement in unprofessional or risky behaviors stemming from alcohol use, and impact of life stressors and coping strategies. Questionnaires sent to 200 occupational therapy students resulted in 77 completed surveys. Responses indicate nine out of ten students had used alcohol within the previous year. Of these, over one third reported engaging in behaviors they later regretted. Coursework, tests, and competition were rated high as stressors, while support from friends and family were utilized coping sources.
Travis Hirschi's control or social bonding theory argues that those persons who have strong and abiding attachments to conventional society (in the form of attachments, involvement, investment, and belief) are less likely to deviate than persons who have weak or shallow bonds. Later, Gottfredson and Hirschi moved away from the social bond as the primary factor in deviance, and toward an emphasis on self-control. In short, low self-control is associated with higher levels of deviance and criminality irrespective of the strength or weakness of one's social bonds. In this article I argue that Talcott Parsons' AGIL schema easily incorporates Hirschi's social bond into its broader analytical framework. Furthermore, from within the logical framework of Parsons' system, Hirschi's move from an emphasis on social bonds to an emphasis on self-control is wholly compatible with, and even anticipated by, the AGIL schema. The article illustrates, and argues for, the continuing importance of theoretical subsumption in sociology and criminology. Lastly, a set of testable hypotheses is generated based upon this theoretical reformulation.
The focus of the study was to examine (1) the unique variance between willingness to experience specific consequences (e.g., vomit) and reported experience of the consequence after controlling for drinking, and (2) the relationships between consequence specific constructs (attitudes and norms) and willingness to experience specific consequences in the context of a structural equation model. Freshmen students (n = 167) from a large northeastern university were randomly selected to participate. Results indicated willingness to experience consequences accounted for significant variance across consequence outcomes controlling for drinking. Significant relationships were observed between consequence specific constructs (attitudes and norms) and students' willingness to experience consequences. Findings provide empirical support that alcohol-related consequences have multiple determinants and are not only a function of alcohol consumption. Prevention efforts may benefit from a more comprehensive approach that includes both drinking and consequence-specific constructs as targets of change.
Previous research has shown that social norms are among the strongest predictors of college student drinking. Among college students, perceiving that others drink more heavily than themselves has been strongly and consistently associated with heavier drinking. Research has also shown that the more specifically others are defined, the stronger the association is with one's own drinking. In the current research, we evaluated whether group identification as defined by feeling closer to specific groups moderates the associations between perceived drinking norms in the group and one's own drinking. Participants included 3,752 (61% female) students who completed online assessments of their perceived drinking norms for 4 groups of students on their campus and identification with each group and participants' own drinking behavior. Results indicated that greater identification with same-sex students, same-race students, and same-Greek-status students was associated with stronger relationships between perceived drinking norms in the specific groups and own drinking.
Prior research suggests that high dispositional self-regulation leads to decreased levels of risky drinking and sexual behavior in adolescence and the early years of college. Self-regulation may be especially important when individuals have easy access to alcohol and freedom to pursue sexual opportunities. In the current 1-year longitudinal study, we followed a sample of N = 1,136 college students who had recently reached the legal age to purchase alcohol and enter bars and clubs to test whether self-regulation protected against heavy episodic drinking, alcohol-related problems, and unprotected sex. We tested main effects of self-regulation and interactions among self-regulation and established risk factors (e.g., sensation seeking) on risky drinking and sexual behavior. High self-regulation inversely predicted heavy episodic drinking, alcohol-related problems, and unprotected sex, even when taking into account gender and risk factors. Moreover, in predicting unprotected sex, we found three-way interactions among self-regulation, sensation seeking, and heavy episodic drinking. Self-regulation buffered against risk associated with heavy drinking but only among those low in sensation seeking. The protective effects of self-regulation for risky drinking and sexual behavior make it a promising target for intervention, with the caveat that self-regulation may be less protective among those who are more drawn to socially and emotionally rewarding stimuli.
Social norms for alcohol use are important influences on individual college student drinking. The present study extends social norms research by examining alcohol-related consequences and, in particular, whether similar misperceptions exist regarding the frequency and evaluation of these consequences over time. College student drinkers (N = 624) participating in a longitudinal study completed Web-based surveys assessing alcohol use and related consequences, as well as their beliefs about frequency and evaluation of consequences for the typical college student. Findings suggest that students overestimated how often typical college students experience negative consequences and underestimated how negatively other students evaluated those consequences. Finally, results support a bidirectional model for alcohol-related consequences, possibly indicating a reciprocal, mutually influential feed-forward loop of norms and consequences that promotes maintenance of college student drinking and consequences.
Alcohol use has been implicated as a risk factor for sexual negative consequences, such as unprotected sexual intercourse. The present research was conducted to examine the relationship between drinking protective behavioral strategies and consensual sex-related alcohol negative consequences, and whether this relationship varied by gender. Additionally, typical number of drinks during sexual behavior was evaluated as a potential mediator of this association. Heavy drinking, sexually active college students (N = 297, 50.2% women) completed self-report measures of drinking protective behavioral strategies, alcohol consumption, and sex-related alcohol negative consequences. Findings indicated that women who used drinking protective behavioral strategies more frequently were less likely to experience sex-related alcohol negative consequences whereas this relationship was not significant for men. For women, this relationship was mediated by the typical number of drinks consumed during sexual behavior. The current research demonstrates that use of drinking protective behavioral strategies is related to a reduction in women's sex-related risks when drinking. Findings are discussed in terms of alcohol myopia theory. Implications for interventions aimed to reduce higher risk sexual behavior among college students are discussed.
This research examined two questions: (1) What is the prevalence of self-injurious behavior (SIB) among college students, overall and by gender, academic level, and sexual orientation? (2) To what extent is SIB associated with different forms of substance use and other risk behaviors? A probability sample of 5,689 students completed an Internet survey on self-injury, mental health, and substance use. Past-year prevalence of SIB was 14.3%, with undergraduates significantly more likely than graduate students to engage in SIB. Drug use and frequent binge drinking were associated with higher rates of SIB. Among those who engaged in any SIB, those who used drugs had higher depression scores, higher prevalence of cigarette smoking, and higher rates of binge eating. In a multiple logistic regression model predicting SIB, depression, cigarette smoking, gambling, and drug use were significant predictors. Information about those at risk for SIB is critical for the design of prevention and intervention efforts as colleges continue to grapple with risky behaviors.
A within-person multilevel approach was used to model the links between alcohol use and sexual behavior among first-year college students, using up to 14 days of data for each person with occasions (Level 1, N = 2879 days) nested within people (Level 2, N = 218 people; 51.4% male). Between-persons (Level 2) effects were gender, relationship status, person means of alcohol use, and alcohol-sex expectancies for sexual affect and sexual drive. Within-person (Level 1) effects were weekend days, number of drinks consumed, and the interaction between drinks consumed and alcohol-sex expectancies. Independent of average alcohol use, consuming more drinks on a given day was associated with a greater likelihood of oral sex and with experiencing more positive consequences of sex that day. Significant Alcohol Use x Alcohol-Sex Expectancies interactions were found for oral sex and total sex behaviors, indicating that individuals with more positive expectancies were more likely to have sex after drinking. The negative association between drinks and condom use was at a trend level of significance. Results support the potential for promoting sexual health by focusing on cross-behavior expectancies among late adolescents.
The model proposed here postulates that alcohol abuse can be predicted from a causal chain that includes alcohol consumption and "drinking to cope" as proximal determinants and general coping skills and positive alcohol expectancies as more distal determinants. To evaluate this model in a way that permits simultaneous consideration of its multiple determinants and control for demographic influences, path analytic techniques were applied to data from problem and nonproblem drinkers drawn from a general population sample. The hypothesized model accounted for significant variance in abuse status. Drinking to cope emerged as the most powerful predictor, exerting influence via direct and indirect pathways. Coping styles indicative of avoidance of emotion emerged as more important predictors of abuse than problem-focused coping. The predictive value of coping was moderated by alcohol expectancies such that avoidant styles of coping with emotion were predictive of abuse status only among drinkers expressing greater belief in alcohol's positive reinforcing properties. Findings both support and refine the social learning perspective on alcohol abuse. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)
Two studies examined the associations between evaluations (good-bad) and expected likelihood (likely-unlikely) of alcohol- and marijuana-related problems and hazardous consumption and problems among college students. Participants provided data on alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, and expectancies and evaluations of alcohol problems; marijuana use indices, marijuana-related problems, marijuana effect expectancies, and likelihood and evaluations of marijuana problems. Evaluations of alcohol problems were positively related to the number of binge drinking occasions and alcohol-related problems. The interaction between evaluations and expectancies was significant in predicting the number of binge drinking occasions. Expectancies demonstrated a curvilinear relationship with binge drinking and alcohol-related problems. Marijuana users evaluated marijuana-related problems as less negative and less likely to occur than did nonusers. Expectancies, but not evaluations, of negative consequences were significantly associated with marijuana use intensity. Expectancies of problems demonstrated a curvilinear relationship with marijuana-use intensity and marijuana problems. Men evaluated alcohol and marijuana problems less negatively than did women. In summary, the expected likelihood of alcohol-marijuana problems and the evaluation of such problems represent a vulnerability factor associated with increased liability for hazardous alcohol and marijuana use.
In 2002, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) issued a report entitled A Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at U.S. Colleges. Data on the magnitude of college drinking problems in 1998 to 1999 were reported. From 1999 to 2005, the proportion of college students aged 18-24 who drank five or more drinks on a single occasion in the past month increased from 41.7 percent to 45.2 percent. The proportion who drove under the influence of alcohol increased from 26.1 percent to 29.2 percent. Higher percentages of 21- to 24-year-olds engaged in those behaviors than 18- to 20-year-olds, and between 1999 and 2005 the percentage increased among 21- to 24-year-olds but not among those aged 18-20. From 1998 to 2005, unintentional alcohol-related injury deaths increased 3 percent (from 1,442 to 1,825) per 100,000 college students aged 18-24. Alcohol misuse by college students often harms other people through traffic crashes and sexual/other assaults. Research regarding ways to reduce college drinking problems has shown that individual-oriented interventions, particularly screening and brief motivational counseling interventions, social norms interventions, environmental policy changes such as the minimum legal drinking age of 21 and drinking-and-driving laws, and comprehensive college-community programs, can reduce college drinking and related morbidity and mortality. There is a growing need for colleges and surrounding communities to implement interventions shown through research to reduce alcohol misuse among college-aged people.
Pregaming is a risky drinking behavior that occurs when students drink alcohol before a primary social gathering or event.
The paucity of research on pregaming highlights the need for research on the correlates of drinking behaviors, such as alcohol
expectancies, that might increase the likelihood of pregaming. Thus, we sought to examine how alcohol expectancies and the
valuations (i.e., desirability) of these expectancies are associated with frequency of pregaming, drinking game (DG) participation,
and hazardous alcohol use. Students (N=1327) from nine U.S. colleges and universities completed self-report surveys. Results showed sufficient discriminant validity
among pregaming behaviors, DG participation, and hazardous alcohol use. Findings also revealed that pregaming mediated the
associations between positive alcohol expectancies and hazardous drinking behaviors. Finally, when we tested for invariance
across gender, ethnicity, and legal versus underage alcohol users, we found full invariance across gender and ethnicity, but
not for legal versus underage alcohol users. Future research directions and potential implications for prevention efforts
are discussed.
KeywordsAlcohol expectancies-Drinking games-Hazardous alcohol use-Pregaming
Although heavy episodic drinkers are at risk to experience alcohol-related consequences, studies show that a large percentage of student drinkers do not experience problems as a result of their drinking. The present study was a more in-depth examination of factors beyond just drinking quantity and frequency to explain why students experience consequences. The current research examined the relationship between the use of protective behaviors, alcohol use, and alcohol related consequences, as well as the relationship between attitudinal and cognitive predictors of engaging in protective behaviors when drinking. We hypothesized there would be a significant direct effect of protective behaviors on consequences after taking into account the effect of alcohol use and that cognitive predictors, including perceived self-efficacy, perceived effectiveness, and subjective norm, would be associated with the attitude and frequency of engaging in protective behaviors. Results supported both hypotheses, indicating good model fit for all models and significant paths between constructs (p's<.05). These findings extend the literature on protective behaviors by providing insight as to their utility in preventing harm and why students choose to engage in these behaviors. Implications for interventions are also discussed.
Self-report measures of heavy consumption and adverse consequences of alcohol use have been used as interchangeable or equivalent indicators of problem drinking although the literature shows them to be relatively independent, with generally about 15% variance in common. The purposes of the present study are to provide further evidence of the independence of self-reported consumption and problems, and to explore nonalcohol-related correlates. Data from 370 employed adults showed modest intercorrelations and a factor structure representing alcohol consumption levels (quantity-frequency, frequency of intoxication) and alcohol-related problems (self-other definition as a problem drinker, adverse consequences). Partial correlational analyses showed that, when controlling for the effects of consumption, alcohol-related problems were related to the use of other psychoactive drugs and to a set of attributes of the person and the social environment as distinct dimensions. Modification of Jessor's problem behavior theory is proposed to generate psychosocial explanation for the differential vulnerability to alcohol-related problems.
We tested whether higher levels of social capital on college campuses protected against individual risks of binge drinking.
We used a nationally representative survey of 17,592 young people enrolled at 140 4-year colleges. Social capital was operationalized as individuals' average time committed to volunteering in the past month aggregated to the campus level.
In multivariate analyses controlling for individual volunteering, sociodemographics, and several college characteristics, individuals from campuses with higher-than-average levels of social capital had a 26% lower individual risk for binge drinking (P < .001) than their peers at other schools.
Social capital may play an important role in preventing binge drinking in the college setting.
The purpose of this paper was to identify the circumstances associated with casual sex encounters, as well as to identify the link between casual sex, depressive symptoms, and infidelity among college students. We found that casual sex was a fairly common occurrence that was related to early sexual transition, engaging in first sex with a casual sex partner, drug use and alcohol consumption. Casual sex occurred more often between "friends" rather than with strangers. Depressive symptoms were associated with engaging in casual sex differently for males and females. Males who engaging in casual sex reported the fewest symptoms of depression and females who had a history of casual sex reported the most depressive symptoms. Frequencies of affectionate and genital behaviors were associated with expectations of the relationship, the relationship to the partner, infidelity, and the individual's relationship style. Results are discussed in light of evolutionary and socio-cultural theories of sexuality.
Stata Statistical Software: Release 11, College Station, TX: StataCorp LP
- Statacorp
Statacorp. Stata Statistical Software: Release 11, College Station,
TX: StataCorp LP, 2009.