Formative research on identifying and promoting responsible party-hosting skills among college students

Abstract

The current project assessed college students' party-hosting skills and consequences to help facilitate the development of an environment-based strategy to reduce unsafe and underage drinking behaviors at social events. Three focus groups were conducted with students at a large Northeast institution; these students resided in the largest privately owned student housing complex off-campus. Findings show that students announced parties through mediated (e.g. social media and texting message) and non-mediated (e.g. word of mouth) means. Participants believed that the party hosts should take full responsibility for all aspects of their social events. Based on the general conceptual framework of theory of planned behavior, it is clear that while student attitudes toward party hosting were facilitated by personal enjoyment, social status, and cost factors, undesirable party consequences (including underage and binge drinking) were seen as congruent with student party norms. Findings also indicated that students perceived themselves as having little control over the negative consequences of party hosting, including intoxication and violence as well as financial and legal liability. Nonetheless, students did demonstrate a willingness or probable intention to learn and practice responsible party-hosting skills. A discussion of prevention messaging and program development was provided.

Keywords:

• Communication
• Health behavior
• Public health
• Risk-taking
• United States

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolyn A. Lin

Carolyn A. Lin is Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Connecticut. She was the founder of the Communication Technology Division at the Association of Education in Journalism & Mass Communication and a recipient of a Distinguished Research Faculty award. Professor Lin conducts research in the content, uses and effects of health communication, social marketing, digital communication technology and international/intercultural communication.

Jamie Harris

Jamie Harris is a Digital Strategist at global public relations agency MSLGROUP in New York City. Jamie received her Master's degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Connecticut, where her research focused on communication campaigns and issues of digital equality.

Carolyn Lagoe

Carolyn Lagoe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Film and Media Studies at the University of New Haven. Carolyn received her PhD in Health Communication from the University of Connecticut. Carolyn's research focuses on the use of communication campaigns and new technology for the purposes of health promotion.