Social Cognitive Theory Based Predictors of Alcohol-Use among College Athletes

It is a common notion on college campuses that student athletes as a group are less likely to engage in alcohol abuse than the general student body as they are more inclined to maintain top physical fitness and would therefore be drinking less than nonathletes. However, literature shows that intercollegiate athletes are at particularly high risk for excessive alcohol consumption and resulting negative alcohol related health consequences. This study examined the extent to which selected social cognitive theory constructs influence alcohol use and binge drinking among college athletes. Social cognitive theory (SCT) is an established behavioral theory and is used in predictive and intervention studies. A 53-item self reported, valid and reliable questionnaire was e-mailed to the college athletes to report on personal characteristics, frequency and quantity of alcohol use, frequency of binge drinking, situational perception, alcohol expectations (comprising of outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), drinking refusal self-efficacy and self control for quitting alcohol. The study was conducted at two large Midwestern universities for a period of five months using Survey Monkey^TM. Results highlighted that there was problem of alcohol use among college athletes and further showed a statistical significance and relation between the constructs of social cognitive theory and its influence on alcohol use and binge drinking behavior among them. Interventions should be developed for college athletes using SCT constructs to influence alcohol use and binge drinking behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation the participants will be able to:

• Describe how social cognitive theory has been used in predicting alcohol and binge drinking behaviors among college athletes.

• Evaluate the use of social cognitive theory to develop alcohol prevention interventions.

• Discuss how similar studies can be planned in larger settings involving multiple universities.