Heavy drinking and alcohol associated consequences are significantly increasing during the transition from high school to college. During the college transition many individuals also experience sexual and gender identity milestones which can cause stress. These stressors may put sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students at a higher risk of heavy alcohol use. High-risk drinking behaviors are also thought to be related to social environment and interactions with peers. This study examines the impact of social networks on alcohol use and consequences among SGM first-year college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 1,340 first-year college students from a private university. Participants were asked to complete a web-based survey that assessed sex assigned at birth and current gender identity. Students were also asked to report the number of days they consumed alcohol during the past 30 days, the average number of drinks they consumed on those days, and the number of days they consumed 4+/5+ (female/male) alcoholic beverages. The Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (B-YAACQ) was used to assess consequences from alcohol use. Lastly, students were asked to nominate up to 10 of their peers who were important to them. Data was analyzed using regression models to assess for relationships between variables.
Results of the data analysis showed that 218 of the students identified as SGM. There were no significant differences identified between SGM and cisgender heterosexual students in number of drinks per week, heavy drinking, and alcohol-related consequences. Those who nominated an SGM peer, regardless of SGM identity, had significantly lower drinks per week, and heavy drinking frequency. SGM students who nominated at least one SGM peer reported lower average number of drinks per week, lower heavy drinking frequency, and less alcohol-related consequences. However, this relationship was not significant. Cisgender heterosexual students who nominated at least one SGM peer had significantly lower average number of drinks per week but not heavy drinking frequency or alcohol related consequences.
Takeaway: Sexual and gender minority social networks may impact alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among sexual and gender minority first-year college students.