Protective Behavioral Strategies and Alcohol Use Outcomes Among College Students: The Moderating Effects of Negative Affect. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Samuolis, Jessica; Loser, Ashley; Tyrrell, Amanda
• Is Part Of: Journal of drug education. Volume 48:Number 1/2(2018:Mar.)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: alcohol -- college students -- protective behavioral strategies -- mental health -- alcohol-related consequences; Drug abuse -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Prevention -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Prevention -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.29071
• DOI: 10.1177/0047237918807890
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0047-2379

Abstract

The current study examined negative affect as a moderator of the relationships between protective behavioral strategies (PBS) used to reduce alcohol-related risk and alcohol use outcomes. Data were obtained from 267 college students using a web-based survey. The use of PBS (i.e., setting a limit on number of drinks, alternating drinks with water, avoiding drinking games) was associated with alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences. Negative affect symptoms moderated these relationships such that these relationships were stronger for those students who reported a greater number of negative affect symptoms. The findings indicate that the use of PBS by college students who consume alcohol are more protective for those with poorer mental health.