Validation of a College Problem-Drinking Scale

Abstract

Validation material for a college problem-drinking scale was presented in two studies. The scale was used as a measure of problem drinking and as a potential means of identifying prealcoholics. Sociometric data, drinking behavior data, and nonbehavioral drinking data were used in validating the scale. Results supported current interpretation of the scale. It was concluded that the scale is an adequate measure of problem drinking, and that it may be interpreted as a measure of predisposition to alcoholism. This suggests the possibility that a substantial number of problem drinkers may become alcoholics as adults.