|
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Cremeens1, Stuart Usdan, PhD, CHES2, Jason Flatt3, Laura Talbott, MS, CHES4, and Larrell Wilkinson3. (1) Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., HESC 221C, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-576-6245, jlcremeens@aol.com, (2) Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Univeristy of South Carolina, 800 Sumter Street, HESC 220, Columbia, SC 29208, (3) Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, 800 Sumter St., HESC 216, Columbia, SC 29209, (4) Doctoral Student, University of South Carolina, 1800 Long Creek Drive 12-O, Columbia, SC 29210
Despite an increase in alcohol prevention efforts on college campuses, the rate of binge drinking among college students maintains its high prevalence across the U.S. College students are more vulnerable to negative consequences associated with heavy drinking than any other alcohol-using population (Ichiyama & Kruse, 1998). According to national findings, 30% of all college students surveyed reported being involved in a fight or argument because of alcohol use (Perkins, 2002). Research has shown that heavier drinkers expect more positive effects on sociability when drinking, while becoming less concerned with possible negative outcomes (Baer, 2002). This study sought to examine the relationship between alcohol expectancies and negative social consequences among college student drinkers. The Core Drug and Alcohol Survey was administered at a large southeastern university to 407 freshman living in residence halls on campus. A little less than half (49.1%) of the students reported recent drinking with an average of 10.9 (SD=15.9) drinks per week. Preliminary analyses indicate that students who reported positive social alcohol expectancies were more likely to experience negative social consequences from drinking. For student drinkers, there was a significant relationship between reporting that alcohol facilitates connections with peers and both getting into an argument or fight (X2=6.65, p=.012) and being criticized by someone they know (X2=7.54 p=.007). These findings indicate that college alcohol prevention programs should address social alcohol expectancies in efforts designed to reduce negative consequences associated with alcohol.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session,the participant will be able to
Keywords: Alcohol, College Students
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.