Drinking at a southern university: its description and correlates

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Student drinking behaviors are a significant public health concern.
• Understanding the transition from high school to college is crucial for intervention.
• Peer and family influences on alcohol consumption require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine drinking patterns and their correlates among undergraduate students.
• To investigate gender differences in alcohol consumption.
• To explore the influence of social networks and family factors on student drinking.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 100 undergraduate students over 20 weeks.
• Computer-administered questionnaires collected weekly data on drinking behaviors.
• Statistical analyses explored correlates of drinking, including social influences and demographics.

Main Results:

• Gender differences were observed, with men overrepresented in heavy drinking and women in moderate drinking.
• Alcohol consumption showed volatility during the high school to college transition.
• Friends' drinking behaviors were stronger predictors than parents', especially with added variables like spending money.
• Family cohesion and control moderated the influence of parental drinking.

Conclusions:

• Social influences, particularly peer groups, play a substantial role in college student drinking.
• Family dynamics and socioeconomic status also correlate with alcohol consumption.
• Interventions should consider the complex interplay of individual, peer, and family factors.