In Their Own Words: Student Characterizations of Protective Behaviors to Prevent Alcohol Harm

In Their Own Words:
Student Characterizations of Protective Behaviors to Prevent Alcohol Harm

Charles K. Atkin
Sandi W. Smith
Katherine Klein
Edward Glazer
Dennis Martell

Michigan State University

A considerable number of college students engage in heavy consumption of alcohol and often suffer negative consequences from it. While the most important goal is to persuade students to reduce their alcohol consumption, a secondary goal is to identify and persuade them to use protective behaviors that reduce the likelihood of harm from heavy drinking. This research endeavor was designed to augment the standard list of 9 protective behaviors that are identified on the National Health College Assessment (NCHA) instrument that is often employed by researchers and health practitioners. Forty-three separate protective behaviors were listed in response to an open ended question. One possible higher order scheme of dimensions is offered here, as is a discussion of the findings

Student Characterizations of Protective Behaviors to Prevent Alcohol Harm
With the considerable number of college students who frequently consume large quantities of alcohol...