The Comparative Impacts of Risk and Protective Factors on Alcohol-Related Problems in a Sample of University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the comparative influences of various protective and risk factors on the alcohol-related problems of a sample of university students. The conceptualization of these protective and risk factors in the current undertaking was informed by problem behavior theory, and draws heavily on two sociological theories of deviant behavior (social learning theory and social bond theory). A questionnaire containing indicators measuring various protective and risk factors, as well as various alcohol-related problems, were administered to a sample of 1,459 students from four colleges and universities. The results indicated that both risk and protective factors were associated with alcohol-related problems in this sample. However, risk factors explain a far greater amount of variance in these problems. Implications for campus programming designed to reduce alcohol-related problems are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• binge drinking
• college students
• problem behavior theory
• social control theory
• social learning theory

This is a revised version of a paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Sociological Association in Huntsville, Alabama.

Notes

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