Binge drinking among American college women - A comparison of single-sex and coeducational institutions

This study examines data from questionnaires to establish the prevalence an d correlates of women's binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks per episode, at women's colleges (n = 508) and at coeducational colleges (n = 9 ,624). Results showed that women at women's colleges binged less frequently , had fewer alcohol-related problems, experienced fewer negative effects of others' drinking, and were less likely to drink and drive. The correlates of binge drinking were similar for the two groups of women. The differences appear to be related not to the quantity or amount of socializing but to i ts quality. The absence of fraternities and coeducational dormitories, the reduced likelihood of a party-centered lifestyle, and self-selection factor s at women's colleges all may contribute to a healthier environment for wom en, interventions designed to lower the risk of college binge drinking shou ld further explore the peer-group contexts in which problem drinking is red uced.