Citation

Henslee AM, Irons JG, Bonn-Miller MO. J. Psychoactive Drugs 2016; 48(2): 146-151.

Affiliation

e Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry , University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine , Philadelphia , PA , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Haight-Ashbury Publications in association with the Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinic)

DOI

10.1080/02791072.2016.1151575

PMID

27014944

Abstract

College students engage in risky alcohol use within a variety of contexts, including specific celebratory events. Student intentions and peer perceptions predict alcohol use; however, how these factors affect specific celebratory drinking may vary from typical alcohol use. The current study sought to better understand event-specific drinking among college students during St. Patrick's Day, as compared to Spring Break. Undergraduate students (N = 82) at a campus with a unique traditional celebration of St. Patrick's Day were surveyed. At Time 1, participants were asked to indicate how much alcohol they intended to drink and how much alcohol they expected other students to drink during St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break. At Time 2, students reported on actual alcohol consumption during both events.

RESULTS indicated that participants reported greater intent to consume, expectation of peer consumption, and actual alcohol consumption during St. Patrick's Day as compared to Spring Break. Neither sensation seeking nor impulsivity predicted alcohol use during either event.

FINDINGS are discussed in the context of understanding, preventing, and intervening with event-specific drinking among college students.

Language: en