Predictors of alcohol use and binge drinking among college athletes using social cognitive theory

It is a common notion on college campuses that student athletes as a group are less likely to engage in alcohol abuse than the general student body as they are more inclined to maintain top physical fitness and would therefore be drinking less than nonathletes. However, literature shows that intercollegiate athletes are at particularly high risk for excessive alcohol consumption and resulting negative alcohol related health consequences. This study examined the extent to which selected social cognitive theory constructs influence alcohol use and binge drinking among college athletes. Social cognitive theory (SCT) is an established behavioral theory and is used in predictive and intervention studies. A 50-item self reported, valid and reliable questionnaire was e-mailed to the college athletes to report on personal characteristics, frequency of alcohol use, frequency of binge drinking, situational perceptions, expectations (comprising of outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), self-efficacy and self control. The study (n=197) was conducted at two large Midwestern universities for a period of five months using Survey Monkey. Results highlighted that there was problem of alcohol use among college athletes and further showed a statistical significance and relation between the constructs of social cognitive theory and its influence on alcohol use and binge drinking behavior among them. Interventions should be developed for college athletes using SCT constructs to influence alcohol use and binge drinking behaviors.