An Examination of the Relationship Between Consequence-Specific Normative Belief Patterns and Alcohol-Related Consequences Among College Students.
Research has previously identified a high-risk subgroup of college students who experience high levels of multiple and repeated alcohol-related consequences (MRC group). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between consequence-specific normative influences and experiencing multiple and repeated drinking-related consequences using a person-centered approach. Normative subgroups were identified using latent profile analysis (LPA), which were then used to predict MRC group status at 6-month follow-up.



First-year college student drinkers (N = 2,024) at a large northeastern university completed online surveys during the fall and spring semesters of their freshman year. Retention was high with 92% of invited participants completing T2, of which the MRC group accounted for 27%.



Three student profiles were identified from LPA on T1 data: Nonpermissive Parents (77%), Positive Peer and Parent Norms (21%), and Permissive Parents (3%). Logistic regression revealed that both the Positive Peer and Parent Norms and Permissive Parents profiles had significantly higher odds of MRC group membership at follow-up (1.81 and 2.78 times greater, respectively).



The results suggest value in prevention efforts that include normative beliefs about alcohol-related consequences. Further, parental norms in particular have the potential to enhance interventions, especially through direct communication of disapproval for experiencing consequences.
Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Racheal
R
Reavy
Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Michael J
MJ
Cleveland
Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Kimberly A
KA
Mallett
Division of Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Research, RTI International, Washington, District of Columbia.
Nichole M
NM
Scaglione
Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Nichole M
NM
Sell
Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Rob
R
Turrisi
D000293:Adolescent; D000067292:Alcohol Drinking in College / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D012927:Social Control, Informal
Alcohol-Related Consequences; College Student Drinking-Related Consequences; Consequence-Specific Norms