The Alcohol Events Scale (AES) was developed to examine whether events and activities associated with heavy episodic drinking could differentiate binge drinkers from more moderate drinkers. Participants (n=420) from a large, urban university completed a comprehensive survey that included the 41 AES items representing various drinking related behaviors. All AES items were used in four different measures: frequency of occurrence for the participant on a typical drinking occasion, and in the past 30 days, perceived frequency of occurrence for a "typical college drinker", and perceived harm. Students who had never engaged in binge drinking reported significantly fewer typical, F(1,403)=20.99, p<.001 and recent drinking related events, F(1,393)=50.93, p < .001 compared to binge drinkers. The scale successfully differentiated students based on their self-reported AES experience. No differences were found, however, between groups on their endorsement of alcohol events experienced by "typical college drinkers". Despite drinking status, the stereotype of a typical college drinker may be equally represented among all undergraduates. Exploring the data for further evidence of a self-enhancement bias indicated that a subset of students (n=251) reported that they had no intention to decrease their consumption because they "did not drink enough to cause [themselves] any problems", even though 40% had been intoxicated, 15% had unprotected sex, 21% had hangovers, 20% rode with a drunk driver, and 21% drove drunk in the past 30 days. For some undergraduates, these events may not be perceived as problematic, but more normative of alcohol use.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe alcohol related events, activities, and behaviors. 2. Identify behavioral differences between students based on binge drinking experience. 3. Recognize the self-enhancement bias in reporting alcohol consumption. 4. Discuss actual risks to undergraduates who may not perceive their current consumption as harmful. 5. Assess new opportunities for exploration of drinking-related behaviors to better understand the social context of binge drinking among undergraduates
Keywords: Binge Drinking, Behavioral Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.