The college tradition of "drink 'til you drop": The relation between students' social networks and engaging in risky behaviors

Despite the empirical and anecdotal evidence of the growing problem of alco hol use and abuse on college campuses, there exists a high level of uncerta inty regarding factors contributing to this particularly risky behavior. Th is article adopts a network approach to the study of risky behaviors exhibi ted among college students, particularly the excessive use of alcohol. Spec ifically, this investigation examines the role of to whom students are talk ing, with whom they are affiliated, and how frequently they are discussing potential effects of risky behaviors on the excessive use of alcohol. Two h undred thirty-nine undergraduate students completed a survey 1 week followi ng an unofficial university-wide event celebrating the end of spring semest er that traditionally revolves around the overconsumption of alcohol. Stude nts were asked to report on a number of things, including their typical beh aviors, behaviors they participated in at this particular event, and featur es of their social networks. Membership in Greek organizations on campus, t he range of one's network, and the frequency of talking about drinking and potential consequences were all significantly related to drinking in excess . Implications of these findings and directions for future research are dis cussed at the conclusion of the article.