College Student Behaviors, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Late-Night, Alcohol-Free Programming.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore college student behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions pertaining to late-night, alcohol-free programming. The research questions for this study focused on (a) behaviors and attitudes of non-drinkers, drinkers, and binge drinkers; (b) perceived behaviors and attitudes of proximal and distal peer groups; and (c) the relationships between actual and perceived behavioral and attitudinal norms of proximal and distal peer groups. This quantitative study (n = 332) was completed at a mid-sized, northeastern college with an established late-night, alcohol-free programming series. Findings from this study illustrate (a) significant differences in attendance trends for non-drinkers, drinkers, and binge drinkers; (b) extreme negative attitudes pertaining to these interventions held by binge drinkers; and (c) a strong relationship between perceived close friend attendance and attitudes and personal attendance and attitudes. Within the context of previous research, late-night, alcohol-free programming is presented as an intervention with the potential to shift individual drinking behaviors, reduce direct and indirect influences to drink, and shift permissive and persistent campus drinking cultures.