The impact of living in co-ed resident halls on risk-taking among college students.
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.


METHODS
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.
Willoughby
Brian J
BJ
School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA. brian.willoughby@byu.edu
Carroll
Jason S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult