Alcohol-Related Hazardous Behavior among College Students

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Abstract
This chapter compares a social learning and deterrence model for DUI among college students. Our assumption is that deviant behavior, or driving under the influence, is a result of social learning that occurs in ongoing interaction with significant others. A deterrence model that is concerned with the threat and fear of death and beliefs about the capacity of the driver to minimize danger when drunk and statutory commands through laws also play a role in such behavior. Using multivariate analysis, specifically discriminant function and multiple regression, we differentiate our sample into those who have “never,” only once, and regularly DUI. The major item in the social learning model contributing to DUI is whether the respondent has ever been a passenger with a drunk driver. The deterrence model also has value since the number of “tricks” the respondent feels are useful in counteracting the influence of alcohol contributes to believed risk reduction. Results indicate that alone, the deterrence model fails to explain DUI. The social learning model with its emphasis on the proximate social environment is needed as a supplement to predict DUI among college students. Efforts to modify this hazardous behavior among college students will need to incorporate a social learning model along with the deterrence model.