Full Citation
Title: College Student Affect and Heavy Drinking: Variable Associations Across Days, Semesters, and People
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2015
ISBN:
ISSN: 19391501
DOI: 10.1037/adb0000023
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Abstract: This study tested associations between positive and negative affect and heavy drinking in 734 college students who completed daily diaries in 14-day bursts once per semester over 7 semesters (≤98 days per person). Three-level multilevel models tested whether affect and heavy drinking were linked across days, semesters, and persons. Higher daily, between-semester, and between-person positive affect were each associated with greater odds of heavy drinking on weekdays and on weekend days. A significant interaction with semester in college showed that the association between daily positive affect and heavy drinking on weekend days became stronger over time. That is, heavy drinking on a weekend day with higher positive affect was more likely in later years of college (OR = 2.93, Fall of 4th year), compared to earlier in college (OR = 1.80, Fall of 1st year). A similar interaction was found for between-semester positive affect and heavy drinking on weekdays. Higher daily negative affect was associated with a greater odds of heavy drinking on weekdays only for students who first began drinking in 7th grade or earlier (OR = 2.36). Results of this study highlight the importance of varied time spans in studying the etiology, consequences, and prevention of heavy drinking. Harm-reduction strategies that target positive affect-related drinking by encouraging protective behaviors during celebratory events may become increasingly important as students transition to later years of college. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)
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Authors: Howard, Andrea L.; Patrick, Megan E.; Maggs, Jennifer L.
Periodical (Full): Psychology of Addictive Behaviors
Issue: 2
Volume: 29
Pages: 430-443
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