NCJ Number
221532
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 51 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 63-82
Date Published
December 2007
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether drinking motives and social norms mediated sexual orientation differences in heavy drinking behavior.
Abstract
Findings suggest drinking motives and norms are important for all college students and may be more relevant than demographic characteristics, such as sexual orientation. Findings from the baseline regression model clearly indicate that there are significant differences in the relationship between sexual orientation and binge drinking. Homosexuals are significantly less likely to binge drink than heterosexual, while bisexuals are significantly more likely to binge drink than heterosexuals. Moreover, it is clear that the relationship between sexual orientation and binge drinking is gender specific. Female bisexuals are significantly more likely to report binge drinking than heterosexuals, while male homosexuals are significantly less likely to report binge drinking than heterosexuals. Evidence indicates that gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals may be at greater risk for high rates of alcohol consumption; however, few studies have identified specific factors explaining why differences exist. The main goal of this study is to explain the relationship between sexual orientation and binge drinking and the results contribute to the literature on alcohol use and sexual orientation. Using data from the 2001 College Alcohol Study, this study examined the ability of drinking motives and social norms to explain the relationship between sexual orientation and binge drinking among over 7,000 students. Tables, references