Recommended Reading

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010

"The effects of heavy episodic alcohol use on student engagement, academic performance, and time use"

Summary

The authors of this study examined the relationship between alcohol use by undergraduates and their engagement in college.  The study used survey data from over 40,000 students at 28 selective, private colleges and universities, to investigate the effects of alcohol use on three dependent variables: time-use (how much time students spend on activities), academic performance (GPA), and student engagement. Student engagement was measured by student-faculty interaction, academic challenge, diversity experiences, enriching experiences, and collaborative learning. The independent variable examined was alcohol use, measured by the frequency of heavy episodic drinking (five or more drinks in the past two weeks).

Key Findings

• Students who reported drinking heavily were more likely to have lower GPAs and spend less time on academics, and more time on recreation and athletics.
• Of the engagement variables measures, heavy episodic drinking had the strongest effects on student-faculty interaction, which is one of the strongest predictors of positive educational outcomes.
• The impact of heavy episodic alcohol use on student engagement—and faculty interaction in particular—is most profound at research universities, as compared to coed colleges and women’s colleges.

Implications for Prevention Practice

Students who engage with faculty, particularly students at research universities, are more likely to experience higher levels of satisfaction and academic achievement.  Heavy alcohol use can negatively impact that engagement thus jeopardizing student success.  Practitioners at research universities should make faculty aware of this connection and the important role they can play in addressing high-risk drinking.

Bibliographic Reference

Porter, S. R., & Pryor, J. (2007). The effects of heavy episodic alcohol use on student engagement, academic performance, and time use. Journal of College Student Development, 48, 455-468.

Access to Article

Interested in reading the entire article? Access to the article is available through a subscription to the Journal of College Student Development. The article is also available free through BNET.com.
link to article