NCJ Number
137955
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 35-52
Date Published
1992
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A sample of 526 college students completed a questionnaire regarding their attitudes toward responsible drinking behavior. The data were analyzed by gender, Greek organization affiliation, location of residence, academic division, grade point average, and year in school. The study also investigates the relationship between various attitudes and alcohol consumption and alcohol problem rates among the respondents.
Abstract
The findings showed that the students generally agreed with statements representing responsible drinking practices. However, when analyzed by other factors, the data showed dramatic differences in attitude. Women students were more likely to advocate responsible drinking practices, while men were more prone to promote maladaptive and potentially dangerous behaviors. While Greek and non-Greek students did not differ in their endorsement of responsible drinking items, fraternity and sorority members were more likely than nonmembers to condone less-than-responsible behaviors. Finally, the results showed several strong relationships between beliefs about drinking and subsequent alcohol use, indicating that alcohol consumption and alcohol problem rates might be predictable and even alterable when students' attitudes about drinking behaviors are known. 4 tables and 27 references (Author abstract modified)