Previous research supports that peer influence serves as a predictor of alcohol use among college students. In an effort to improve alcohol prevention and intervention programs, a recent study examined if resistance to peer influence moderated the relationship between social anxiety, alcohol-related negative consequences, and protective behavioral strategies. Study participants included undergraduates that reported past 30 day alcohol use (n=562). Participants self-reported their social anxiety, resistance to peer influence, protective behavioral strategies, alcohol-related negative consequences, and harmful drinking patterns via an online survey. Results indicated that students who expressed less resistance to peer influence and who expressed higher levels of social anxiety reported more harmful drinking patterns, more alcohol-related negative consequences, and fewer protective behavioral strategies.
Take Away: This study concluded that college students with social anxiety who drink in order to be accepted by their peers were more likely to exhibit harmful drinking patterns and experience alcohol-related negative consequences. The authors encourage college campuses to consider addressing the role of social anxiety and resistance to peer influence in their alcohol prevention efforts that focus on equipping students with protective behavioral strategies.