The influence of peer and parental norms on first-generation college students’ binge drinking trajectories

Graham T Diguiseppi,Jordan P Davis,Matthew K Meisel,Melissa A Clark,Mya L Roberson,Miles Q Ott,Nancy P Barnett

doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106227

Abstract

IntroductionFirst-generation college students are those whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree. The current study addressed the lack of research on first-generation college students’ alcohol use by comparing the binge drinking trajectories of first-generation and continuing-generation students over their first three semesters. The dynamic influence of peer and parental social norms on students’ binge drinking frequencies were also examined. Methods1342 college students (n = 225 first-generation) at one private University completed online surveys. Group differences were examined at Time 1, and latent growth-curve models tested the association between first-generation status and social norms (peer descriptive, peer injunctive, parental injunctive) on binge drinking trajectories. ResultsOverall, binge drinking frequency tended to decline over the first three semesters of college. After controlling for demographics, substance-free dormitory residence, parental alcohol problems and norms, first-generation status was associated with steeper declines in binge drinking frequency. During the first semester, the association between parental injunctive norms and binge drinking frequency was stronger for first-generation students than for continuing-generation students; this influence declined over time for first-generation students. The influence of peer descriptive norms on binge drinking increased for continuing-generation students; while this influence remained stable over time for first-generation students. ConclusionsFirst-generation student status appears to be protective against binge drinking. Substance-free dormitory residence, and perceived parental and peer norms likely play a role in first-generation students’ tendency to engage in binge drinking less often over the first year of college.

Highlights

First-generation college students are those whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree
Peer injunctive norms had a positive, stable association with binge drinking at each time-point for first-generation students (b = 0.19, p = 0.01) and continuinggeneration students (b = 0.18, p < 0.001). We found that these effects were not significantly different between groups (Wald χ2 = 0.058, df = 1, p = 0.81), indicating that the stable association between peer injunctive norms and binge drinking frequency was similar for first-generation and continuing-generation students
Educators, and health professionals can be aware that first-generation students may be at lower risk of engaging in binge drinking, over subsequent semesters

Summary

Introduction

First-generation college students are those whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree. The current study addressed the lack of research on first-generation college students’ alcohol use by comparing the binge drinking trajectories of first-generation and continuing-generation students over their first three semesters. Current estimates indicate that nearly 38% of college students aged 18-22 engaged in binge drinking in the past month (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2015). While previous research has identified groups of students at higher risk for experiencing negative alcohol consequences (e.g., fraternity and sorority members, athletes), other college student groups have received less attention. One such group is first-generation college students

Methods

Results

Conclusion