Context matters: Student-perceived binge drinking norms at faculty-level relate to binge drinking behavior in higher education. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Damme, Joris; Hublet, Anne; De Clercq, Bart; McAlaney, John; Van Hal, Guido; Rosiers, Johan; Maes, Lea; Clays, Els
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 59(2016)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Social environment -- Student -- Binge drinking -- Peer group -- University -- Perceived norm; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Binge drinking in higher education is an important problem. To target binge drinking in students it is necessary to study the social context of students. Faculties (i.e., colleges or schools in Northern American education) are social contexts in which students behave, but little is known about how the faculty structure relates to monthly binge drinking. This study investigates the relationship with student-perceived binge drinking norms at faculty-level in addition to known personal determinants. Methods: Data were collected in 7181 students within 22 faculty-level units, using an anonymous online survey. Multilevel analyses were used to investigate the relationship of both individual-level determinants (e.g., perceived norms, social drinking motives) and student-perceived binge drinking norms at faculty-level on monthly binge drinking. Results: Two-third (62.2%) of the sample were female and the mean age was 21.06 (SD = 2.85) years. In males, significant faculty-level variance in monthly binge drinking was found. At faculty-level, only same-sex student-perceived binge drinking norms showed a positive relationship (OR = 2.581; 95%CI = [1.023, 6.509]). At individual level, both opposite- and same-sex perceived binge drinking norms, and social drinking motives positively related to monthly binge drinking. In females, no significant faculty-level variance was found. Only individual-level determinants positively related to monthly binge drinking. No cross-level interactions were found. Conclusion: Besides individual determinants, especially in men, faculties are relevant environmental structures and networks to take into account when targeting binge drinking in higher education. Highlights: Drinking norms in 22 faculty-level units were investigated with multilevel analyses. Student-perceived norms at faculty-level relate to monthly binge drinking in men This relation was observed in addition to the relation with personal determinants. Future interventions should target both individual and environmental determinants. Faculties have to be considered as relevant environmental structure in prevention.