Investigated gender differences in the motivation for alcohol use in a sample of 240 Nigerian undergraduates, ranging in age from 17-24 years. Males were more likely to drink for psychological and social reasons than females. Females, however, were more likely than males to drink only at parties. (RJM)

Examines the relationship between level of alcohol consumption and self-esteem for college males and females. Study of 130 males and 130 females at a major state university indicates that this relationship was moderated by gender, with females at greater risk for low self-esteem associated with heavy alcohol consumption. (RJM)

Examines "alcohol myopia" (an increased use of alcohol in the face of increased negative consequences of use) in freshman college women with or without sorority pledge status. Increased alcohol use and alcohol myopia were present in the sorority pledge group. Both groups showed anomalous myopic behavior as alcohol use increased. (RJM)

Compared heavy and light-moderate drinking female college students along personality dimensions. Although no differences were found in social desirabiliy or locus of control, heavy drinkers possessed greater fear of failure and greater sensation seeking than did light-moderate drinkers. Results have implications for causes of problem drinking…

This study compared how alcohol effect expectancies and reaction expectancies related to one another and to male and female college students' drinking behavior. Analyses indicated that different types and patterns of expectancies were gender specific. Discusses results in terms of the nature of gender/expectancy/drinking relationships. (RJM)

Examined relationship between alcohol expectancies and drinking behavior among Irish- (n=15), Italian- (n=15), and Hispanic- (n=15) American female college students. Found that, although relationship existed between drinking outcome expectancies and ethnic drinking behavior, its degree and precise nature varied by group. Different expectancy…

Surveyed 110 female college students to study social context in which drinking occurs. Analyzed descriptions of respondents' experiences in their most recent social situation where alcohol was used by others. Findings showed experiences occurred within last 5 days and were primarily related to relaxing, eating, or celebrating events or holidays.…

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…