Use of Protective Behavioral Strategies is Related to Reduced Risk in Heavy Drinking College Studies with Poorer Mental and Physical Health

• NCJ Number: 233806
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 40 Issue: 4 Dated: 2010 Pages: 361-378
• Author(s): Joseph W. LaBrie; Shannon R. Kenney; Andrew Lac
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 18 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01AA12547; Q184H070017
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services; Gang Intelligence Strategy Committee
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the extent to which physical, mental, and social health status moderate the relationship between protective behaviors and risky alcohol consumption, and seeks to foster targeted and more efficient protective behavioral strategies (PBS)-based interventions.

Abstract

The present study examined the moderating role of health status (physical, mental, and social health) and the relationships between protective behavioral strategies (PBS) utilized to reduce high-risk drinking (e.g., avoiding drinking games, setting consumption limits, or having a designated driver) and alcohol use and negative consequences in a sample of heavy drinking college students (N = 1,820). In this high risk sample, multiple regression analyses showed that stronger social health was related to increased drinking, while poorer physical, mental, and social health were related to increased alcohol negative consequences. Further, moderation effects revealed that increasing the use of protective behaviors was associated with significantly less drinking in those with stronger social health, as well as significantly lower number of negative consequences among participants with poorer physical and mental health. Implications for college counselors and medical personnel are discussed. (Published Abstract) Tables, figures, and references