Changes in protective behavioral strategies and alcohol use among college students.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are specific cognitive-behavioral strategies designed to reduce alcohol consumption and resulting negative consequences. A host of studies have examined the cross-sectional relationship between such strategies and alcohol use in the high-risk population of United States college students, but prospective studies on the construct are lacking. The primary purposes of this study were to determine if PBS use prospectively predicted subsequent alcohol use/alcohol-related problems and if changes in PBS use were associated with less alcohol use and fewer problems.

Methods

Data were examined from 521 heavy drinking college students (60% male, 84% White, mean age=18.9 years). Participants completed questionnaires assessing alcohol use,

SUBMITTER: Martens MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3176975 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature