ERIC Number: EJ841369
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Dec
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0090-1482
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Factors that Predict Self-Perceived Problem Drinking among College Students
Eshbaugh, Elaine M.
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, v52 n3 p72-88 Dec 2008
Excessive alcohol use among college students is a significant public health problem. In order to design and implement effective intervention programs, college personnel must first target students who are problem drinkers. This study of 316 Midwestern college students examines factors that predict whether a student self-identifies as a problem drinker. Although 42% of students indicated recent binge drinking episodes and 30% reported a regrettable sexual experience due to alcohol use, 80% indicated that their drinking is "not at all problematic." Students were more likely to identify themselves as problem drinkers if they consumed more drinks per week when compared to other students. Other statistically significant predictors of self-perceived problematic drinking were binge drinking, consuming alcohol without the company of others, having an alcohol-related arrest, and participating in regrettable sex due to alcohol use. Students reporting more depressive symptoms than other students were also more likely to identify as problem drinkers. Future research should consider additional variables when examining the complex processes students utilize in deciding whether their drinking is problematic.
Descriptors: At Risk Students, Health Behavior, College Students, Intervention, Public Health, Alcohol Abuse, Drinking, Depression (Psychology), Predictor Variables, Sexuality, Symptoms (Individual Disorders)
American Alcohol and Drug Information Foundation. P.O. Box 10212, Lansing, MI 48901. Tel: 517-484-1770; Fax: 517-487-2474; e-mail: jadejournal@earthlink.net; Web site: http://www.jadejournal.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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