Of college students that report alcohol consumption, around one-third report binge drinking within the past 30 days. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), has stated that binge drinking, consuming 4-5 drinks within 2 hours, brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 g/dL. Many factors influence alcohol consumption behaviors among college students. This study examines the influence of perception of belonging and actual participation in school activities on drinking behaviors among college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 33,360 college students who completed the Healthy Minds Study (HMS) web based survey. Participants were asked to report how many times over the past two weeks they had consumed more than 4-5 drinks. Students were also asked if they saw themselves as part of the school community and what activities they participate in at their school. Data was analyzed using a logistic regression model to examine the effects of the independent variables on drinking behavior.
Results of the data analysis showed that 39.3% of the sample fit the criteria for binge drinking. Around 53% of students fit criteria for school activity participation only, while 5.8% scored in perceived belonging only, 37.4% in combined belonging, and 3.5% in neither. An age 21 to 22, living off-campus, having a B or lower average, and scoring in the combined belonging category (high perceived belonging and 1+ school activity) was associated with binge drinking. Age of 21 to 22 was the strongest predictor of binge drinking.
Takeaway: Sense of belonging may provide predictive value when assessing high-risk drinking behaviors among college students.