Date of Award

Spring 5-2011

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Chair

Mary Nell McNeese

Committee Chair Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Member 2

Terrell Tisdale

Committee Member 2 Department

Educational Leadership and School Counseling

Committee Member 3

William Pierce

Committee Member 3 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Member 4

Thomas O'Brien

Committee Member 4 Department

Educational Leadership and School Counseling

Committee Member 5

Richard Conville

Committee Member 5 Department

Communication Studies

Abstract

Each year thousands of students abuse alcohol on college campuses across the country. After a review of the literature, this study detailed the results of a two-phase study conducted at a mid-sized university in the southeastern United States. The focus of the study was threefold. First, it sought to determine if there were any significant differences between males and females with regard to alcohol abuse and violent and aggressive behaviors. Second, it aimed to learn more about a specific category of students, specifically those who were hard workers in the academic setting but also hard drinkers when not in class or studying. Finally, it sought to uncover more about the relation between alcohol abuse and where students lived on or near campus. The study used the CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey. Results were collected in 2007 with N=607 and in 2010 with N=473 as sample sizes. The findings suggest that males and females are not significantly different in relation to aggression and acts of vandalism reported while using alcohol. The findings also suggest that campus residency may not have an effect on the drinking behaviors of college students. Lastly, the findings suggest that though some college students believe they can “work hard/play hard” as it relates to academics and alcohol, this behavior does not appear to lead to academic success.

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