The Utilization of Close Friends to Measure Prevalence, Level of Recognition, and the Confrontation of Alcohol Use Disorders Among College Students

This study examined whether self-report differed significantly from friend-report, the ability to recognize an alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to DSM-IV criteria, and confrontations among college friends regarding alcohol problems. Students responded to a survey inquiring about the drinking habits of "their closest friend". A significant difference was found between the AUDIT score from a self-report study at a similar university and friend-reported AUDIT scores from this study (p=.000). The correlation between AUDIT scores and the mean score on the five-item perception of alcohol problem scale was significant (r=-.71) suggesting that close friends are able to identify an alcohol problem. In addition, this study noted revealed that confrontation among friends regarding alcohol use or problems does occur, and results suggest that friends are a motivation for initiating a healthy behavior change.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Thornton, Blair Allyn

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Akagi, Cynthia

• Education, Health
• Psychology, Clinical
• Health Sciences, Mental Health
• alcohol use disorders
• alcohol dependence
• college
• alcohol prevention program

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

EN

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations2.umi.com/ku:2661

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/36719