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Binge Drinking and Negative Alcohol-Related Behaviors: A Test of Self-Control Theory

NCJ Number
207248
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2004 Pages: 411-420
Author(s)
Chris Gibson; Christopher J. Schreck; J. Mitchell Miller
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
September 2004
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined self-control as a predictor of binge drinking and alcohol-related behaviors among college students.
Abstract
Previous research studies have identified binge drinking and alcohol-related behaviors as major concerns on college campuses. Expanding on past research, this study examined the self-control theory as a predictor of college student binge drinking and its behavioral consequences. Specifically, a stricter test of self-control theory was conducted by considering competing factors shown to be linked to alcohol-related behaviors; the effects of binge drinking on alcohol-related behaviors were assessed across varying levels of self-control. The study claimed that binge drinking among college students would be widespread and result in numerous negative consequences. Data were attained from a sample of 268 male and female college students who completed a self-report survey. Results indicated that self-control was an important predictor of binge drinking and alcohol-related behaviors. In addition, binge drinking was a more important predictor of alcohol-related behaviors for students possessing low self-control compared to their high self-controlled counterparts. Study limitations are presented and discussed. References