University alcohol policy and student attitudes

Abstract

The problems associated with high-risk drinking affect campus and community health, safety, and academic functioning (Lavigne, Francione-Witt, Wood, Laforge & DeJong, 2008). This non-random pilot study examined gendered relationships between university alcohol policy and student attitudes by surveying 87 male and female college students at a midwestern college. Survey data was statistically analyzed using frequencies, cross-tabulations, mean comparisons, independent t-tests, and a reliability analysis. It was hypothesized that female students would be more prone to have alcohol policy affect their attitudes towards drinking. It was also hypothesized that females would perceive alcohol policy affecting their peers' behavior to a greater degree than males. Results found significant gender differences which supported these hypotheses. It was also hypothesized that there would not be gender differences regarding drink specials and the availability of alcohol increasing the likelihood to drink. Results did not support this; significance testing indicated females are more likely to let the availability of alcohol affect their drinking behavior. The implications for practitioners include the need for university administration to form partnerships with all those affected by problem drinking in order to allow a more comprehensive and inclusive policy. Future research would benefit from examining policy formation, the level of student involvement, and student attitudes toward punitive aspects of policy.