Peer crowd affiliations as predictors of prosocial and risky behaviors among college students. Issue 4 (19th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chinopfukutwa, Vimbayi S.; Hektner, Joel M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1231
• Page End: 1240
• Publication Date: 2022-05-19
• Subjects: Emerging adulthood -- peer crowd affiliations -- prosocial behaviors -- risky behaviors; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1790574
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives To examine college peer crowd affiliations and prosocial and risky behaviors (academic, sexual, drug, and alcohol related risks) as well as to investigate gender as a moderator of these relations. Participants: 527 students at a public university in the Midwest in Fall 2018 ( M age = 19.67, SD = 1.84). Method: Students' peer crowd affiliations were reported using an online survey. Four peer crowd dimensions were confirmed using Factor Analysis: Social (popular partiers and Greek organization members), Athletic, Arts/Diverse (students identifying strongly with a countercultural group, their race/ethnic group, and/or performing arts); and Scholastic (academic achievement and leadership). Results: Social crowd affiliations positively predicted all risk-related behaviors. Social and Scholastic affiliations positively predicted prosocial behaviors. Finally, gender significantly moderated the relations between peer crowd affiliations and risk and prosociality. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that peer crowd affiliation and gender are important when promoting positive behaviors on campus.