Racial differences in college-student drinking

ABSTRACT

Racial differences in drinking motives, protective behavioral strategies (PBSs), alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related problems were examined among college student drinkers (N = 443: 296 [66.8%] White, 147 [33.3%] Black). Survey participants were recruited from large undergraduate sociology classes and residence halls at the university. Key differences between Black and White college students in drinking behaviors, reasons for drinking (i.e., motives), and the use of PBSs were observed. These racial differences have implications for the implementation of prevention/intervention programs intending to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems among college students.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol problems
• college student drinking
• drinking motives
• protective behavioral strategies

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Dr. Joyce Yates and Dr. Kevin Williams for their contributions in developing the survey used for data collection.