ERIC Number: EJ1214191
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2379-7762
EISSN: N/A
Social Group Membership and Risk-Taking Behaviors among College Students with ADHD Symptoms
Pollack, Brittany; DuPaul, George J.; Weysandt, Lisa L.; Anastopoulos, Arthur D.
Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, v31 n4 p367-382 Win 2018
Young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are more likely than their peers to engage in risk-taking behaviors, including harmful alcohol use, consumption of illicit drugs, and risky sexual behaviors. These behaviors become more common in the general population of young adults as they enter college, particularly for those who join social groups such as Greek life and athletics. It is unclear whether the presence of significant ADHD symptoms is related to engagement in risky behaviors particularly among students who participate in various social activities. We examined: (a) the degree to which inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms predict risk-taking behavior for a sample of 395 college students, and (b) whether the relationship between ADHD symptoms and risk-taking behavior is moderated by participation in social activities. Results indicated that more significant ADHD symptoms are associated with increased risk-taking behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and risky sexual behavior. Additionally, social group membership was predictive of increased risk-taking in some cases, particularly for students affiliated with Greek organizations. Findings demonstrate the need for universities to implement preventive programs for students with ADHD symptoms and those in social groups, especially Greek life, to minimize the likelihood of negative outcomes associated with risk-taking.
Descriptors: Group Membership, Risk, Health Behavior, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Drug Use, Sexuality, Drinking, College Students, College Athletics, Sororities, Fraternities, Conceptual Tempo, Hyperactivity, Prediction, Correlation, Social Life, Behavior Problems, Alcohol Abuse, Universities, Prevention, Program Implementation, Student Attitudes, Rating Scales, Screening Tests, Measures (Individuals), Predictor Variables, Team Sports
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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