Sexual minority college students (e.g., individuals attracted to the same gender and/or identifying as LGB) report higher levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences compared to heterosexual students. Existing theories, such as minority stress and social norms, suggest that these disparities may stem from heightened exposure to discrimination and peer influences within social settings. Previous research highlights the role of social network dynamics—network centrality, mutuality, and perceived closeness—as potentially influential factors in shaping drinking behaviors, particularly in college contexts where peer norms are highly impactful. This study aims to explore the associations between social network characteristics and alcohol outcomes in a social network of college students as a function of sexual identity and attraction.
The study recruited 1,150 junior-year students from a private university in the Northeastern United States to examine social network characteristics, alcohol use, and sexual orientation. Key social network metrics included indegree (popularity), outdegree (network expansiveness), eigenvector centrality (global prominence), mutuality (relationship reciprocity), and self-reported closeness. Alcohol use was assessed by the maximum number of drinks consumed in the past month and alcohol-related consequences. Sexual identity and attraction were self-reported, categorized as heterosexual, gay/lesbian, or bisexual, and further distinguished by opposite- or same-gender attraction. Data analysis employed one-way ANOVA and network autocorrelation models to investigate the effects of sexual identity and attraction on social network characteristics and alcohol consumption.
The study results indicate that sexual minority college students tend to establish more extensive social networks within an inclusive college environment, and these network characteristics significantly influence their drinking behaviors and related outcomes. Specifically, popularity, relationship reciprocity, and closeness within their networks positively correlated with drinking frequency, with this trend being particularly prominent among students attracted to the same gender. In contrast, network expansiveness showed a significant positive correlation with negative drinking outcomes among same-gender-attracted students, suggesting that a broader network may increase drinking opportunities, consequently heightening the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related consequences. These findings imply that sexual minority students may be more exposed to risks associated with alcohol use, underscoring the need for tailored prevention and support programs to address their specific challenges.
Takeaway: Sexual minority college students’ broader social networks and close relationships may increase their exposure to alcohol-related risks, highlighting the need for tailored prevention and support programs.