How do mandated college student drinkers characterize binge drinking?

Background: Within the past 30 days, a quarter of U.S. college students reported binge drinking (i.e., consuming ≥ five drinks (male) or ≥ four drinks (female), in about 2 hours). While scholars have refined binge drinking parameters/definitions over time, determining college students' personal characterization of binge drinking is important as misperceptions can directly impact students' alcohol use and associated consequences. Objective: This study explored differences in college students' characterization of binge drinking and the effect of overestimating standardized parameters. Methodology: This study was conducted at a large public university in the Southeast U.S. among college students who violated campus alcohol-use policies (n = 816). Respondents anonymously completed measures of alcohol frequency and quantity, and binge drinking characterization. Analyses explored the relationship between binge drinking parameters and personal alcohol use. Results: Statistically significant differences existed for alcohol consumption between students who underestimated/accurately characterized binge drinking parameters and those who overestimated. Moreover, students who overestimated participated in binge drinking more frequently (p <.001) and were nearly 3.5 times more likely to binge drink than their counterparts. Conclusions: Correcting misperceptions, establishing clear and accurate understandings, and eliminating ambiguity associated with alcohol behaviors and norms should be a priority for college health practitioners and administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]