Binge Drinking Behavior Research Articles

Drinking High Amounts of Alcohol as a Short-Term Mating Strategy: The Impact of Short-Term Mating Motivations on Young Adults' Drinking Behavior.

Previous research indicates that drinking large quantities of alcohol could function as a short-term mating strategy for young adults in mating situations. However, no study investigated whether this is actually the case. Therefore, in this article, the link between short-term mating motivations and drinking high amounts of alcohol is tested. First, a survey study ( N = 345) confirmed that young adults who engage in binge drinking are more short-term oriented in their mating strategy than young adults who never engage in binge drinking. Also, the more short-term-oriented young adults were in their mating strategy, the more often binge drinking behavior was conducted. In addition, an experimental study ( N = 229) empirically verified that short-term mating motivations increase young adults' drinking behavior, more so than long-term mating motivations. Results of the experiment clearly showed that young men and young women are triggered to drink more alcoholic beverages in a short-term mating situation compared to a long-term mating situation. Furthermore, the mating situation also affected young adults' perception of drinking behavior. Young adults in a short-term mating context perceived a higher amount of alcoholic beverages as heavy drinking compared to peers in a long-term mating context. These findings confirm that a high alcohol consumption functions as a short-term mating strategy for both young men and young women. Insights gained from this article might be of interest to institutions aimed at targeting youth alcohol (ab)use.

Inhibitory processing predicts increases in binge drinking behavior: A six-month longitudinal design

Inhibitory processing predicts increases in binge drinking behavior: A six-month longitudinal design

Alcohol Consumption among Female University Students in Israel: a Cross Sectional Study of Background Characteristics and Drinking Patterns

This cross sectional study examined alcohol use, binge drinking and other problem behavior among Israeli university female students. Scant information is known about Israeli university student alcohol use and related problem behavior. Academic study discipline status (e.g., social work, nursing and other non-helping disciplines) was hypothesized to be a predictor of university student alcohol use and problem behavior rates. Study hypotheses were supported, in part. Academic discipline (social work and nursing) differentiated rates of alcohol use, binge drinking and other problem behavior. However, when grouped into helping and non-helping academic disciples, few differences were evidenced. Students drink more beer, wine and hard alcohol than those 20 years ago at the same university; however, fewer students drive after drinking. Present results, albeit restricted, reflect increased drinking but less driving after drinking after an intensive campaign to curb such problem behavior. Further research is needed of alcohol use and problem behavior for policy, prevention and treatment purposes. Such research should include regular monitoring throughout the country regardless of gender status and academic discipline.

Applying a New Theory to Alter Binge Drinking Behavior in College Students.

Binge drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States, where it is estimated that 17.6% adults binge drink. Binge drinking is highest among college students. There is need for effective binge drinking interventions. Recently a new health behavior theory has been proposed called the multitheory model of health behavior change. The purpose of this article is to describe the application of the multitheory model for changing binge drinking behavior to a behavior of responsible drinking or abstaining from alcohol. A framework for an intervention and its testing is presented.

Correlates of HIV Risk-taking Behaviors among African-American College Students: HIV Knowledge and Ethnic Identity.

We examined ethnic identity in relation to hazardous alcohol use, illicit drug use, and risky sexual behavior in 266 college students recruited on the campus of a historically Black college/university (HBCU). Participants were primarily African American students participating in HIV education and prevention outreach efforts. Data regarding prevalence of substance use, binge drinking, and sexual risk behaviors are reported. Results found no relationship among the risk variables and ethnic identity. HIV knowledge score results demonstrated a need to continue HIV education to include the less publicized facts about HIV transmission. Results are discussed in terms of implications for prevention efforts with African American college students.

Testing the Model of Goal-Directed Behavior for Predicting Binge Drinking Among Young People

ABSTRACTBackground: One of the most problematic modes of alcohol consumption in young adults is risky drinking in single episodes, which typically takes place in social contexts. Several studies have applied the Theory of Planned Behavior to drinking intentions and behavior in young people. However, previous studies show that this model lacks a “bridge” that links a mental process like intentions to a physical process represented by the actual action. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to test the predictive power of the Model of Goal-Directed Behavior plus social influences in order to overcome theory of planned behavior gaps in predicting binge-drinking behavior in young people. Methods: 404 undergraduates completed a questionnaire containing measures for the MGB variables, social identity, and group norms. Two weeks later, participants reported how many times they had had five/four or more alcoholic drinks on a single occasion. Structural equation modeling revealed strong support for model validity. Results: The final equation accounted for 66% in intentions to binge drink, and 48% in drinking behavior, while a planned behavior model accounted for the 47% of variance in intentions to binge and 37% of the drinking behavior. Social influences positively affected desire and intentions to drink. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, compared to other attitude-behavior frameworks, the MGB is preferable in modeling the proximal determinants of binge drinking. Therefore, the distinction between desire and intention and the consideration of social influences seem to be essential to improve the prediction of binge drinking among young people.

A Hypothesized Model of Binge Drinking Behaviors among Thai University Students Based on Social Ecological Model

A Hypothesized Model of Binge Drinking Behaviors among Thai University Students Based on Social Ecological Model

Getting High as Part of a “Bad” Reputation: Social Reputation and Binge Drinking

ABSTRACTScholars have paid particular attention to peer influence as supportive of heavy alcohol consumption practices. In this article, attention is paid to studying how social reputation may constitute a relevant concept in understanding peer influence on binge-drinking behavior, functioning as a moderator of the effect of drinking expectancies. A total of 166 Italian adolescents from a secondary school served as participants. As hypothesized, results showed an effect of both drinking expectancies and law-breaking reputation on binge drinking. Moreover, the interaction between these variables was significant. That is, the effect of drinking expectancies on binge drinking was high when the person attached importance to a law-breaking reputation. These results underline the relevance of social reputation for understanding binge-drinking behaviors and suggest that it may be important to discuss with adolescents the effects on “at-risk” behaviors of the image that we want to communicate to others.

19.5 Bullying and Other Victimization Exposures: Associations With Functioning and Developmental Considerations

This presentation will 1) examine the extent to which peer victimization and cyberbullying are associated with mental health (i.e., depression, stress/anxiety, suicidality), binge drinking, and sexual risk-taking behaviors; and 2) assess whether associations among peer victimization, cyberbullying, and functioning remain after taking into account other exposures of victimization (i.e., psychological dating violence, physical dating violence, sexual assault). Analyses also will attend to developmental differences in relationships between victimization exposures and functioning.

“I cannot stand the boredom.” Binge drinking expectancies in adolescence

Introduction: The main aim of this study is to improve our knowledge on binge drinking behavior in adolescents. In particular, we tested a model of predictors of binge drinking focusing on boredom proneness; we also examined the predictive and mediating role of drinking expectancies on binge drinking. Methods: A questionnaire designed to assess current drinking behavior, such as binge drinking, drinking expectancies and boredom proneness, was administered to 721 Italian adolescents (61% females) aged between 13 and 19years (M=15.98, SD=1.61). Results: Structural equation modeling confirmed the evidence on drinking expectancies as predicted by boredom proneness and as predictive of adolescents' binge drinking. Interestingly, disinhibition and relief from pain seem to play a more important mediating role between boredom and alcohol outcome. Conversely, no mediation was found for interpersonal and social confidence expectancies on binge drinking. Conclusions: In general, the results suggest that preventative interventions on alcohol misuse should focus on personality traits and underlying drinking expectancies.

Exposure to sucrose during periods of withdrawal does not reduce cocaine-seeking behavior in rats.

Concomitant access to drugs of abuse and alternative rewards such as sucrose has been shown to decrease addiction-related behaviors in animals. Here we investigated whether access to sucrose during abstinence in contexts that are temporally and physically distinct from drug-related contexts could reduce subsequent drug seeking. In addition, we investigated whether a history of cocaine self-administration would alter the rewarding effects of sucrose. Rats self-administered cocaine for ten sessions, while yoked-saline rats received only saline injections, and then we subjected them to a 30-day withdrawal period during which they had access to water and sucrose continuously or intermittently according to a schedule that induces binge-drinking behavior. At the end of the withdrawal period, rats were tested for cocaine seeking behavior during a single 6 h session. We found that exposure to cocaine increased sucrose consumption only when rats had intermittent access to sucrose, but exposure to sucrose did not alter drug seeking regardless of the schedule of access. These results suggest that exposure to cocaine cross-sensitizes to the rewarding effects of sucrose, but exposure to sucrose during abstinence, temporally and physically distinct from drug-related environments, does not to reduce drug seeking.

Abstract IA12: Addressing cervical cancer disparities in Appalachia: From biology to policy

Abstract IA12: Addressing cervical cancer disparities in Appalachia: From biology to policy

Binge-Drinking Attitudes and Behaviors Among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic College Students

This study explores binge-drinking behaviors and attitudes among Hispanic and non-Hispanic college students. The authors surveyed students at the same large Hispanic-serving university used in a 1999 study by Bennett et al., partially replicating that earlier research. While the percentage of students who reported binge drinking in the present study did not differ significantly by ethnicity, Hispanic students showed the most dramatic decrease in binge-drinking behavior since the 1990s study. Perhaps not coincidentally, during the years between studies, the university’s substance-abuse prevention office increased its outreach and awareness programs; university policies concerning alcohol use became more stringent and more publicly promoted; and Hispanics became the largest segment of the school’s undergraduate population. At the same time, despite these contextual changes, Hispanic students in the present study were less likely than other groups to disagree with the statement “binge drinking is part of my race/culture,” while non-Hispanic White students were less likely to disagree with the statement “no one ever died as a result of binge drinking.” Recommendations for binge-drinking education and prevention campaigns explicitly targeting Hispanic students and other risk groups (students living on campus; students from rural areas) are discussed.

Unintended Effects of a Smoking Cessation Intervention on Latino Fathers' Binge Drinking In Early Postpartum.

Background Research suggests that when smokers reduce their smoking, they also reduce their alcohol consumption. Purpose To examine the effects of a smoking cessation intervention and actual quitting smoking on binge drinking behavior among Latino expectant and new fathers. Methods Logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of intervention arm and quitting smoking on past 30-day binge drinking measured at 3-months and 12-months postpartum while controlling for known covariates. Results Fathers in the intervention arm were significantly more likely to decrease their binge drinking at the 12-month follow-up (OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.35–0.93). Quitting smoking, measured by both 7-day and 30-day point prevalence, was positively associated with reduced binge drinking at 3-months (OR=0.25, 95% CI=0.14–0.45; OR=0.44, 95% CI= 0.26–0.75) and 12-months (OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.11–0.42; OR=0.43, 95% CI= 0.24–0.77). Conclusions The results of this study support the positive effects of a smoking cessation intervention on decreasing binge drinking behavior among Latino fathers in the postpartum period.

Relationship between early symptoms of alcohol craving and binge drinking 2.5 years later

BackgroundThe first self-reported symptoms of nicotine dependence (e.g., as craving) can appear within days to weeks of the onset of occasional use, and the appearance of symptoms predicts future consumption and dependence. We sought to determine whether craving for alcohol occurs in early stages of adolescent alcohol use, and whether it predicts future binge drinking, a prevalent and problematic behavior. MethodsLongitudinal (30-month) four-wave study of 3415 students (M=12.5 years at baseline) from 29 German schools. Students reported five symptoms of alcohol craving on a scale developed based on well-validated measures for tobacco. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to predict having five or more binge episodes by last follow-up, based on the number of symptoms reported before the first lifetime binge. Multiple imputation was used to address study drop-out. ResultsAt baseline, 23% reported at least one symptom, increasing to 54% at wave 4. Any report of symptoms at baseline was associated with frequency of alcohol use, being present in 100% of daily, 93% of weekly, 87% of monthly, 48% of infrequent drinkers, and 16% of ever drinkers reporting no current alcohol use. Moreover, symptoms at baseline independently predicted frequent binge drinking 2.5 years later, AOR=2.08 (95% CI 1.39, 3.11; p<0.001) among baseline never-bingers, after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionsSome early-onset drinkers reported symptoms of alcohol craving and loss of control after minimal exposure to alcohol. If replicated, an early screener could be developed to identify those at risk for frequent binge drinking.

Are There Cognitive Consequences of Binge Drinking During College?

For this study we considered the influence of binge drinking behavior in college on students’ critical thinking gains. Findings suggest that binge drinking has a negative influence on students’ critical thinking gains over 4 years of college and that this effect was driven by students with the lowest levels of precollege critical thinking. In both a general binge drinking model, which compared students who binge drank during college with those who did not binge drink, and in a frequency of binge drinking model, which compared students who binge drank at varying frequencies during college with those who did not binge drink, students with lower levels of precollege critical thinking who engaged in binge drinking tended to have significantly lower critical thinking skills than those who did not binge drink.

Alcohol expectancies and drinking behaviors among college students with disordered eating

ABSTRACTObjective: The authors investigated binge drinking, alcohol expectancies, and risky and protective drinking behaviors in relation to disordered eating behaviors in male and female college students. Participants: The full sample consisted of 7,720 undergraduate students, 18 to 22 years of age. Drinking behaviors were analyzed in 4,592 recent drinkers. Methods: Participants anonymously completed a survey as part of a universal alcohol abuse prevention program between September 2007 and April 2008. Results: Co-occurring disordered eating behaviors and binge drinking characterized 17.1% of males and 19.0% of females. Rates of binge drinking were higher in those with disordered eating behaviors. Students with disordered eating behaviors also had more positive and negative alcohol expectancies and engaged in more risky and fewer protective drinking behaviors than their counterparts. Conclusions: Students with disordered eating behaviors have outcome expectancies and behavior patterns associated with problematic drinking. These findings may enhance prevention and intervention programs.

Binge Drinking and Risk Taking Behavior Among Adolescent Females in Israel.

This prospective study examined binge drinking and alcohol-related problem behavior among Israeli adolescent females attending public school or a residential facility for substance abuse treatment. Scant information is known about adolescent females, especially those with high-risk (e.g., school dropout and immigrant origin) characteristics. The authors hypothesized that school, residential treatment, and mothers' country of origin status are associated with binge drinking and problem behavior. Females in residential treatment reported higher levels of binge drinking and problem behavior as expected. However, country of origin was not a significant factor differentiating the female adolescents in school or a residential facility. Logistic regression points to current cigarette smoking, ease of purchasing alcohol, unsupervised night activity, low religiosity, and being physically threatened as predictors of binge drinking and problem behavior. The lack of differences based on country of origin status points to acculturation as a possible reason for the homogeneity. Further research is needed to study the impact of acculturation as well as monitor the alcohol use patterns and problems of adolescents over time and across locations to address prevailing needs.

Predicting Binge Drinking in College Students: Rational Beliefs, Stress, or Loneliness?

We proposed a conceptual model to predict binge-drinking behavior among college students, based on the theory of planned behavior and the stress-coping hypothesis. A two-wave online survey was conducted with predictors and drinking behavior measured separately over 2 weeks' time. In the Wave 1 survey, 279 students at a public university in the United States answered questions assessing key predictors and individual characteristics. In the Wave 2 survey, 179 participants returned and reported their drinking behavior over 2 weeks' time. After conducting a negative binomial regression, we found that more favorable attitude toward drinking and less perceived control of drinking at Wave 1 were associated with more binge drinking at Wave 2; subjective norm at Wave 1 was not a significant predictor of binge drinking at Wave 2; students with higher stress at Wave 1 engaged in more binge drinking at Wave 2, but those with higher loneliness did not. Implications of findings are discussed.

Binge Eating and Binge Drinking Behaviors and Risks among Triathletes

Binge Eating and Binge Drinking Behaviors and Risks among Triathletes