Effects of Social Capital on the Culture of College Drinking

Research was conducted to determine if social capital influenced the norms of drinking and alcohol-related behavior amongst college students. A random sample survey was distributed to college students at a medium-sized regional university (N = 2600). A mixed-method design was used to examine the results, including correlation and regression analysis and content analysis. Social capital was operationalized in three forms. An inverse association indicates students who report heavy/binge drinking are less influenced by factors of social capital, whereas students who report light drinking are influenced by factors of social capital. Continued mixed-methods research at multiple universities is recommended. Keywords: social capital, alcohol, college, student, drinking, health, community, culture
INTRODUCTION The frequency, rate, and duration of alcohol consumption amongst college students has ramifications not just for the individual, but for the broader community. Sexual assault, traffic accidents, neighborhood crime, [...]