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.