LEGISLATION DRINKING NORMS: THEIR IMPACT ON COLLEGIATE DRINKING

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Researchers in the behavioral sciences have found that telling people not to do something often produces the opposite reaction. People value their sense of freedom and autonomy and like to project an image of self-control. Reactance theory suggests that whenever people believe their freedom either has, or will be, threatened they enter into a reactance motivational state and act to regain control by not complying. University students throughout the centuries have consumed alcoholic beverages.Since July of 1987, it has been illegal throughout the USA for those under 21 yr. of age to purchase alcohol. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if reactance motivation has been aroused among underage college students leading to exhibit higher levels of both (1) quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, and (2) more drinking problems compared to collegians of legal purchase age. METHODS: An anonymous pre-coded instrument, The Student Alcohol Questionnaire was used. It has demonstrated an internal consistency reliability of .79 and includes demographic items, questions regarding the consumption of various alcoholic beverages, and 17 items concerning possible negative consequences of drinking. A quota sample of 55 colleges and universities was selected for data collection during the 1987-88 academic year which resulted in a sample of 3,375 students RESULTS: A significantly higher proportion of underage students were drinkers (81.2%) compared to students of legal age (75.3%). Additionally, a significantly higher proportion of underage students were “binge” or heavy drinkers (24.0%) than are those of legal age (15.3%). Significantly more drinking problems were also reported by underage compared to legal age drinkers. CONCLUSIONS: Among this sample of students, public policy which forbids university students under age 21 from drinking has led to a back lash and more problems related to drinking among this group. It is recommended that the current laws be reevaluated in light of this, and other studies, that suggest more drinking problems are now found among underage collegians.