Demographic and predeparture factors associated with drinking and alcohol-related consequences for college students completing study abroad experiences.
OBJECTIVE
Study abroad students are at risk for increased and problematic drinking behavior. As few efforts have been made to examine this at-risk population, the authors predicted drinking and alcohol-related consequences abroad from predeparture and site-specific factors.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 339 students completing study abroad programs.


METHODS
Participants filled out online measures at predeparture, abroad, and at postreturn.


RESULTS
The authors found that drinking and consequences abroad were predicted by a number of factors, including demographics (eg, younger age, male sex, Greek affiliation, white ethnicity), student factors (eg, low GPA, major area of study), study abroad site factors (eg, apartment living abroad, study in Europe), predeparture levels of drinking and consequences, sensation seeking, and goals related to social gathering.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings can be used to inform campus policies for admission to study abroad programs as well as assist in the development of interventions targeted toward preventing risk for students during abroad experiences.
a RAND Corporation , Santa Monica , California.
Eric R
ER
Pedersen
Jessica R
JR
Skidmore
Giovanni
G
Aresi
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
alcohol; alcohol-related consequences; risk behaviors; study abroad