Citation

Barry AE, Goodson P. J. Am. Coll. Health 2011; 59(4): 304-312.

Affiliation

Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2010.502196

PMID

21308591

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to employ a mixed-methods approach to (a) qualitatively explore responsible drinking beliefs and behaviors among a sample of college students, and (b) quantitatively assess the prevalence of those behaviors. Participants: Convenience samples, drawn from currently enrolled students attending a large public university in Texas, comprised 13 participants in the qualitative phase and a random sample of 729 students for the quantitative phase. Methods: A partially mixed sequential dominant status design (qual → QUAN) was employed. Results: Participants associated 7 distinct themes with drinking responsibly; however, embedded inside these themes were numerous potentially harmful elements. Quantitative findings supported the qualitative themes, also highlighting gender and ethnic differences. Males believed responsible drinking behaviors should occur with significantly less frequency than females, whereas Whites attached less relative necessity to certain responsible drinking behaviors. Conclusion: This study represents an initial attempt to determine specific, evidence-based characteristics of responsible drinking.

Language: en