Transactional associations of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) and risk-amplifying behaviors (RAB) to alcohol-related negative consequences were tested. A sample of 138 undergraduate women was assessed with self-report measures at two time points four months apart. Over and above quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, engagement in…

Restricting alcohol consumption on campus is a measure often used by college administrators to prevent alcohol abuse and-alcohol-related problems. The effect of dry campus policies on alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems, however, remains poorly understood. This report will compare characteristics of two dry campuses with descriptions…

American alcohol education and prevention efforts for youth emphasize abstinence. In support of this approach, epidemiologists conclude that early drinking by adolescents increases the lifetime likelihood of alcohol dependence and that overall drinking levels in a society are directly linked to drinking problems. At the same time, cultural,…

Studies have shown that cigarette smokers are generally aware of increased health risks associated with smoking, but that smokers tend to underestimate their own susceptibility to disease. In general, optimistic bias has been shown to increase with greater perceived control over an event or behavior; however, this phenomenon has not been examined…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally tailored smoking prevention program for Asian American youth (Youth-PASS). A field-tested questionnaire was used to solicit information from participants on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors associated with tobacco and tobacco use, as well as satisfaction with prevention program content and…

Studies the relationship of sensation-seeking to alcohol use and risk-taking behavior in a sample of college women. Risk-taking behavior measured in a driving simulation task was affected by state of intoxication. Results indicate that the personality trait of sensation-seeking appears to play an important mediating role in alcohol use and…

Assigned 1,426 university students to four intervention groups. A "norm-setting" intervention program--used to study perceptions and expectations of drinking--was of chief interest. This group was associated with the greatest reductions in the drinking norms attributed to the student body, close friends, living groups, and parents. (RJM)

Anonymous questionnaires administered to 1283 middle school/high school students and 930 college students revealed that most of these students viewed all types of alcohol intervention programs as somewhat effective in reducing alcohol abuse among youth. Analyses revealed that drinking motivations and behavior produced a significant effect on the…

A sample of 18 focus groups (subject ages 15-24) revealed young people's clear opinions on what constitutes an effective drinking and driving education program. Such programs should be student-centered, conducted in small group settings, emphasize real-life situations, and be delivered by people affected by drinking and driving. (RJM)

Examines the incidence of driving under the influence (DUI) one year prior to, and one year following the partial lifting of a complete Sunday sales ban on alcohol. Data did not reveal a statistically significant increase in DUIs. Results suggest that limited alcohol consumption does not increase alcohol-impaired driving. (RJM)

Explores the relationship between alcohol-induced blackouts and alcohol expectancies in 123 college students. Found significant correlations between students' alcohol expectancies, level of alcohol abuse, and blackout history. Students who experienced blackouts had higher positive alcohol expectancies than those without blackouts. Other findings…

Examines whether the self-management variables of time management and lifestyle organization differentiated problem-drinking and nonproblem-drinking college students. Results indicate that self-reported problem-drinkers were more likely to possess lower levels of proficiency in time management and lifestyle organization skills than…

This speech explores the social patterning of alcohol use within American society and how this patterning contributes to alcohol problems. (Author/JA)

Similarities between drinking behaviors of college undergraduates and their parents indicate that family environment has an impact on the drinking behavior of offspring. (JD)

Comparison is made between drinking patterns and opinions on alcohol consumption and family and social backgrounds of college students. (JD)