Association of Psychological Factors to Alcohol Consumption Behavior among U.S. College Students

This study explores college students' alcohol consumption behavior and evaluates the effect of different psychological factors on consumption patterns. Randomly selected students from two different universities completed surveys with perceived scales for stress, self esteem and anxiety and an alcohol consumption questionnaire. Non-parametric analyses suggests that low self esteem, higher stress and anxiety level and younger age increase the likelihood of drinking alcohol. These findings were consistent between both universities. These findings have important implications for the selection of appropriate interventional strategies and health education among college populations.