Do personal values increase the odds of alcohol use and binge drinking among a college population?

Background:  Only one published study examined the association between alcohol use and values described in Schwartz’ Theory of Basic Human Values.  Findings suggest alcohol use was positively correlated with the values of self-direction, stimulation, and hedonism; and negatively correlated with security, conformity, and tradition.  The purpose of the current study is to examine if individuals who identify as holding a specific value have increased odds of reporting current alcohol use or binge drinking.  Methods: The researchers administered a paper-and-pencil survey to 910 undergraduate students at a large, public university in the southeastern US. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated via binary logistic regression. Results: The odds of being a current drinker were 1.5 times higher if the individual held the value of stimulation (95%CI=1.01-2.28) and 2 times more likely for hedonism (95%CI=1.36-2.99); while the odds of being a non-drinker were 1.9 times higher for conformity (95%CI=1.18-2.93), and 1.8 times higher for tradition (95%CI=1.19-2.72). The odds of being a binge drinker were 1.5 times higher for individuals holding the value of achievement (95%CI=1.07-2.11), 2.1 times higher for stimulation (95%CI=1.55-2.90), and 2.0 times higher for hedonism (95%CI=1.46-2.79).  The odds of being a non-binge drinker were 1.5 times higher for the value of  conformity (95%CI=1.07-2.04), and 1.7 times higher for tradition (95%CI=1.20-2.36). Conclusions:  The values an individual holds may provide insight into health behaviors such as alcohol use and binge drinking.  Future studies should explore the relationship between values and health behaviors.