Drug use in American colleges is a serious threat to students� health and academic success. A substantial body of literature has focused on public schools; however, there is a paucity of information regarding drug use among students at private colleges. This study used TRA-based variables to identify key attitudinal and normative factors associated with drug use at a midwestern conservative Christian university with a seminary. TRA-based constructs, including intentions to engage in drug use, attitudes (consequences of drug use and its relevance), subjective norms (perceived norms of significant others and students� motivation to comply), and their relevance for explaining students� drug use were examined. Eight hundred students completed the survey. Multiple regression analyses identified independent contributions of each TRA-based construct to explain drug use. The constructs explained 25% of the variance in marijuana use (p=.001). Cocaine and amphetamine use, though statistically significant (p=.001), had markedly smaller effect sizes (R2cocaine=.002; R2amphetamines=.005). Two clusters of outcomes determining attitudes toward drug use were identified: hedonistic qualities of drug use including improvement in student�s quality of life positively correlated with attitudes, while factors having an adverse effect on performance regarding drug use were negatively correlated (R2=.30, p=.001). Friends (p<.001) and faculty (p=.001) were key referents for students� subjective norms, accounting for 15% of the variance (p=.001). Policy and intervention recommendations include dispelling hedonistic qualities of drug use, providing alternative activities enhancing gratification, and amplifying perceived negative consequences of drug use. Strengthening drug prevention messages, peer-based leadership programs, and pro-social networks on campus are recommended.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to apply theory-based research to identify key attitudinal and normative components of drug use in target college populations in order to implement effective intervention strategies.
Keywords: College Students, Drug Use
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.