COERCIVE SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR AND THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION ANDRELIGIOSITY AMONG COLLEGE-STUDENTS IN THE BIBLE BELT

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexuall y coercive behavior among college students at a large southeastern uni versity, with specific focus on the influence of alcohol use and relig iosity. Data were collected by administering a survey to 210 male and female students. Participants answered survey questions regarding alco hol consumption, religiosity, and sexually coercive behavior. The resu lts showed that sexual coercion does occur at an alarming rate and tha t alcohol consumption was a contributing factor in most cases of coerc ive behavior. Results also indicated that college students do consider religion to be an important aspect of their lives; however, alcohol c onsumption was found to interfere in the frequency of church attendanc e. Reasons for these results as well as ideas for future research are discussed.