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Relations between heavy drinking, gender, and substance-free reinforcement
Jessica R Skidmore1, James G Murphy
1Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology
|April 14, 2010
Summary
Heavy college drinking is linked to more peer and sexual activities, not less enjoyment of substance-free activities. Prevention efforts should address social benefits gained from drinking.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Behavioral economic theory suggests substance abuse diminishes enjoyment of substance-free activities.
- College students, especially men, report social benefits from drinking that may offset this effect.
- Understanding the relationship between heavy drinking and substance-free reinforcement is crucial for college populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between heavy college drinking and various categories of substance-free reinforcement.
- To investigate the influence of gender on this relationship.
- To determine if substance-free reinforcement predicts heavy drinking frequency.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 246 undergraduate students, categorized by heavy (120) and light (126) drinking frequency.
- Assessment of substance-free reinforcement in peer, dating, sexual, school, and family activities.
- Multiple regression analyses controlling for demographic factors and fraternity/sorority membership.
Main Results:
- Heavy drinking was associated with significantly higher substance-free peer and sexual reinforcement.
- This association was consistent across genders and remained significant after controlling for covariates.
- Substance-free reinforcement did not predict heavy drinking frequency when substance-related reinforcement was considered.
Conclusions:
- Heavy college drinking is not linked to overall deficits in substance-free reinforcement.
- Increased peer and sexual activities outside of substance use are associated with heavy drinking.
- Prevention programs should help students manage the social reinforcement associated with reduced drinking.
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