Protective Behavioral Strategies, Alcohol Consumption, and Alcohol-Related Negative Consequences Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual College Students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Limited research exists exploring the safe drinking behaviors of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) college students despite evidence that they seem to engage in higher frequencies of heavy episodic drinking than the general student population. METHODS: This study examined protective behavioral strategies (PBS) as a moderating variable in the relationship between alcohol consumption and alcohol-related negative consequences in an online sample of 139 LGB college students. RESULTS: PBS qualified this relationship for heavy drinkers and not for light drinkers. DISCUSSION: Clinical and future research implications are explored, including for college counseling center clinicians with LGB clients.

KEYWORDS:

• substance abuse
• mental health services
• psychotherapy