SELF-REPORTED REASONS FOR WHY COLLEGE-STUDENTS DRINK

Based on a November 1987 random sample of 526 on-campus resident students attending a mid-sized, private, midwestern university, this study investigates the reasons given by college students for their use of alcoholic beverages. Analyses were also made of the effects of gender, location of residence, year in school, and Greek organization membership on the students' reasons for drinking. Results indicated that college students say that they drink because they like the taste of alcohol and because drinking helps them celebrate special occasions. Only rarely were negative or disintegrative reasons for drinking endorsed. But when they were reported, they were usually cited by male students, Greek organization members, and residents of fraternity houses. All three of these groups are noted for having substantial alcohol problems rates in this sample.