Risk-taking behaviors of college students

It has been suggested that relaxed rules in dormitories encourage college students to engage in risky behaviors because they are free from the moral supervision of parents. Those who live off campus comprise another segment of students generally free from parental supervision. The authors surveyed 250 dormitory and 250 commuting students at Rutgers University and examined student patterns of risk-taking behavior. The survey contained questions on race, gender, academic standing, and multiple questions about risky behaviors. Four of those behaviors are discussed here in detail: smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and sexual behavior.