Gender, Ethnic, Age, and Relationship Differences in Non-Traditional College Student Alcohol Consumption: A Tri-Ethnic Study

Abstract

Group differences in four aspects of alcohol consumption behaviors were examined in non-traditional college students (N = 1092; 828 women and 264 men) attending a large, non-residential, urban university. Findings demonstrated several differences between traditional and non-traditional students' drinking behaviors. Specifically, non-traditional students are more likely to abstain; Caucasians are more apt to drink in isolation and experience negative social consequences of drinking; Hispanic and African American women control their alcohol consumption better; and African American men are more likely to experience antisocial consequences due to drinking. These findings have implications for education and prevention efforts targeting non-traditional college students.

KEYWORDS:

• age differences in alcohol use
• college alcohol consumption
• ethnicity and alcohol use
• gender and alcohol use
• relationship status and alcohol use

Notes

Note. N = 905; SFL = Standardized factor loadings; SE = Standard errors. Means, standard deviations, and alphas are based on scores derived from the manifest variables and inter-correlations are among latent variables.

Note. N = 905; SFL = Standardized factor loadings; SE = Standard errors. Means, standard deviations, and alphas are based on scores derived from the manifest variables and inter-correlations are among latent variables.

Note. Subscripts denote groups that differed significantly from one another.

Note. Subscripts denote groups that differed significantly from one another.

Note. ‘a’ and ‘b’ subscripts denote groups that differed significantly from one another.