Citation

Willoughby BJ, Carroll JS. J. Am. Coll. Health 2009; 58(3): 241-246.

Affiliation

School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA. brian.willoughby@byu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448480903295359

PMID

19959438

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Although previous research has suggested that college housing impacts student behavior and outcomes, recent research linking college housing to risk-taking has been limited. In this study, we investigate if patterns of risk behavior differ based on the type of college housing environment students reside in. PARTICIPANTS: This study utilizes 510 college students living in on-campus college housing. METHODS: Students were recruited from 5 college sites across the United States. Participants responded to survey items online that measured current risk-taking behaviors such as binge drinking and sexual activity. RESULTS: After controlling for an assortment of demographic and psychological variables, results indicated that students living in co-ed housing were more likely than students living in gender-specific housing to binge drink and consume alcohol, have more permissive sexual attitudes, and have more recent sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS: On-campus housing environments impact college student risk behaviors. Implications are discussed in light of the decline of in loco parentis on most college campuses.

Language: en