Date of Award

8-2013

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Michael Wischnowski

Second Supervisor

Kathleen Dever

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore college student behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions pertaining to late-night, alcohol-free programming. The research questions for this study focused on (a) behaviors and attitudes of non-drinkers, drinkers, and binge drinkers; (b) perceived behaviors and attitudes of proximal and distal peer groups; and (c) the relationships between actual and perceived behavioral and attitudinal norms of proximal and distal peer groups. This quantitative study (n = 332) was completed at a mid-sized, northeastern college with an established late-night, alcohol-free programming series. Findings from this study illustrate (a) significant differences in attendance trends for non-drinkers, drinkers, and binge drinkers; (b) extreme negative attitudes pertaining to these interventions held by binge drinkers; and (c) a strong relationship between perceived close friend attendance and attitudes and personal attendance and attitudes. Within the context of previous research, late-night, alcohol-free programming is presented as an intervention with the potential to shift individual drinking behaviors, reduce direct and indirect influences to drink, and shift permissive and persistent campus drinking cultures.

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