16% of American young adults engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED) behavior 4 times a month. Previous research has shown there may be trends in HED behaviors including race, sex, and gender. The current study explores 4 hypothesis including White Americans have more HED behavior, males report more HED behavior, men with higher masculine identity will engage in more HED behavior, and White American, masculine men will have the highest odds of HED behavior.
This study pulled data from the Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health (ADD Health). Emerging adulthood was defined as those aged 18-25 years, and the study included 607 White Americans and 142 African Americans. The dependent variable for this study was HED which was defined as 5 drinks for men and 4 for women. Independent variables included sex, gender expression, masculine traits, and feminine traits. Dominant traits included things like “I am dominant,” “I am willing to take risks,” and “I am aggressive.” Feminine traits included things like “I am warm,” I am gentle,” and “I love children.” Other control variables included education and employment.
Overall, the study was mostly White American, female, some or more college education, and working part time. Almost half of those surveyed reported HED behavior in the previous 2 weeks. African American race along with feminine gender expression had a negative correlation to HED behavior. Being male and having fulltime employment showed positive correlation to HED behavior. African American race overall decreased one’s chances of engaging in HED behaviors. Male sex and African American race proved to be the only significant predictors of HED behaviors. Race was found to be the only social factor influence among African American emerging adults.
Take Away: The current study explores 4 hypothesis including White Americans have more HED behavior, males report more HED behavior, men with higher masculine identity will engage in more HED behavior, and White American, masculine men will have the highest odds of HED behavior. The study pulled data from the Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health (ADD Health). The dependent variable for this study was HED which was defined as 5 drinks for men and 4 for women. Independent variables included sex, gender expression, masculine traits, and feminine traits. Almost half of those surveyed reported HED behavior in the previous 2 weeks. African American race along with feminine gender expression had a negative correlation to HED behavior. Male sex and African American race proved to be the only significant predictors of HED behaviors. Race was found to be the only social factor influence among African American emerging adults.