Many college students seek part- or full-time employment while attending classes to finance their education and related expenses. Previous research has found that employment during college is associated with increased use of alcohol, cannabis, and cigarettes. Job-related stress has also been linked to substance use. Restaurant and food service work can be particularly stressful and food service workers comprise a disproportionate number of heavy substance users and heavy drinkers. This had led many to wonder if working in the food service industry during college further increases one’s risk of risky substance use behaviors. This study examines the impact of employment in food services positions on substance use, negative consequences, and risk factors among college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 276 currently employed undergraduate students from a large, public, Southeastern university. Students were asked to report number of hours worked per week, type of employment, and any workplace substance use. Alcohol and cannabis use, cannabis and alcohol-related problems, and drinking and cannabis use motives were also assessed. The UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale was used to assess trait-like impulsivity facets of negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, sensation seeking, and positive urgency. Lastly, positive and negative affect were measured. Data was analyzed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests of independence, and regression analyses.
Results of the data analysis showed that food service workers reported higher levels of drinking to cope with negative affect. However, there were similar levels of alcohol consumption and negative alcohol-related consequences among food service workers and non-food service workers. In regards to cannabis use, food service workers were found to have 2 more cannabis use days, 1.75 more cannabis-related problems per month, higher level of negative consequences, and greater endorsement of coping, enhancement, and expansion motives. Students in the food service industry were also more likely to report using illicit drugs and alcohol while working.
Takeaway: College students working in the food services industry may be at increased risk of substance use and related negative consequences.