Why college men drink: alcohol, adventure, and the paradox of masculinity

Influence of gender identity on the adoption of religious-spiritual, preventive and emotion-focused coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Academic research has highlighted the gendered impacts and amplifications of gender disparities of COVID-19. Traditionally, Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where it is a parenthood norm to socialize specific gender social roles.

OBJECTIVES

The current research asserts that these normative gender roles may influence individuals throughout their life course, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study explored the influence of gender identity in adopting different coping strategies such as religious-spiritual, preventive, emotion-focused and non-constructive coping against the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Due to the lockdown in various areas of Pakistan, data were collected through an online questionnaire using Qualtrics. In a cross-sectional study, 955 respondents completed responses. Factors analysis and reliability analysis were run to ensure the scales' reliability, validity and robustness for different coping strategies. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to find model fitness.

CONCLUSIONS

For theoretical explanation, the current study used social role theory that argues that each gender benefits differently from distinct coping behaviours. The findings highlighted that women were more likely to adopt most coping strategies, with the most significant difference in religious-spiritual coping and preventative coping strategies even in the presence of control variables such as level of education, household monthly income, family structure, marital status and family size. There was no gender difference in adopting non-constructive strategies. The empirical evidence suggested that females might be at an increased risk of stress due to the burden of unbalanced household-based social norms and care responsibilities. The current research also expanded the base of coping to religious-spiritual coping, emotion-focused coping and non-constructive coping.

Gender disparities in symptomology of COVID-19 among adults in Arkansas

Only a few studies and reports assessing the natural history and symptomatology for COVID-19 by gender have been reported in literature to date. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine patterns in symptomology of COVID-19 by gender among a diverse adult population in Arkansas. Data on COVID-19 symptoms was collected at day of testing, 7th day and 14th day among participants at UAMS mobile testing units throughout the state of Arkansas. Diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed via nasopharyngeal swab and RT-PCR methods. Data analysis was conducted using Chi-square test and Poisson regression to assess the differences in characteristics by gender. A total of 60,648 community members and patients of Arkansas received RT-PCR testing. Among adults testing positive, we observed a statistically significant difference for fever (p < 0.001) and chills (p = 0.04). Males were more likely to report having a fever (22.6% vs. 17.1%; p < 0.001) and chills (14.9% vs. 12.6%; p = 0.04) compared to females. Among adults testing negative, females were more likely to report each symptom than males. To conclude, we observed a greater prevalence of certain symptoms such as fever and chills among men testing positive for COVID-19, compared to women during the time of testing. These differences elucidate the important issue of rapidly emerging health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every guy needs his team: the promise of peer-led mentoring groups for college men

Objective: Our study conducted a preliminary evaluation of a peer-mentoring group program for college men (Freshmen League). Participants & Methods: We interviewed first-year men who participated in Freshmen League (n = 16) and others who did not (n = 10), asking them questions about authenticity, relationships, masculinity, and community. Using consensual qualitative research, we identified themes in constructions of their experiences and development throughout the year, and compared them across groups. Findings: Men in both groups reflected on becoming their authentic selves, feeling pressure to fit a mold, valuing friendship, and wanting to positively impact their community. However, Freshmen League participants were more likely to talk about vulnerability, positive influences of upperclassmen, connecting with others, alternative social norms, and social justice. Conclusions: Peer-led mentoring groups represent a promising direction as interventions to promote college men's health and campus culture. Directions for future research and considerations for program implementation are discussed.

Gender, face mask perceptions, and face mask wearing: Are men being dangerous during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Recent popular press authors have proposed that men are less likely to wear face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate this notion in the current article by analyzing three extant datasets. We also assess the mediating effect of eight different face mask perceptions in the relation between gender and face mask wearing via the Face Mask Perceptions Scale. Across the three datasets, the sample-size weighted meta-analytic correlation between gender and face mask wearing was not statistically significant, and no face mask perception was a consistent mediator of this effect. Gender did have significant relations with two face mask perceptions, however. Men were more likely to perceive face masks as infringing on their independence, whereas women were more likely to perceive face masks as uncomfortable. Therefore, although gender does not relate to whether a person wears a face mask, it does relate to face mask perceptions. We offer several suggestions for research and practice from these results, such as the positioning of face mask wearing alongside passive health behaviors, the broader study of face mask perceptions' outcomes beyond face mask wearing, as well as the creation of interventions to target differing face mask perceptions across genders.

Associations between Gender, Alcohol Use and Negative Consequences among Korean College Students: A National Study

This study examines Korean college students’ rates and the severity of various negative consequences resulting from the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption and the unique factors that are affecting this problem in the Korean context in comparison to other countries. It assesses how much gender, age and other associated respondent characteristics mediate alcohol use and the resulting negative consequences among the population. A stratified representative sample of 4803 valid student respondents attending 82 colleges participated in the alcohol consumption survey, of which 95% reported drinking in past 12 months. Drinking is measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) screening tool. Based on this test, composite scores for each participant were computed and students were grouped into four risk groups: (a) nondrinkers, (b) light drinkers, (c) moderate drinkers and (d) heavy drinkers. Outcome measures include 21 validated items evaluating self-reported alcohol-related negative consequences. Rates of negative consequences are reported for each drinking risk group stratified by gender. Descriptive statistics, stepwise regression, multivariate linear regression and MANOVA tests were used to analyze the data. The study found that female respondents in the sample who consumed alcohol in the past 12 months drank 11.5 percent less than males (AUDIT-C score μ = 6.0 and 6.7, respectively), and there was a greater proportion of females (5.1 percent) who were nondrinkers than males (4.6 percent). Yet, when females drank, they experienced 11.8 percent more negative consequences on average than males (μ = 1.9 and 1.7, respectively). The study attempts to explain this apparent contradiction. The self-reported rates for many individual negative consequences also varied discernibly by gender. The study concludes with suggestions for how alcohol prevention on Korean college campuses would benefit from targeting females and males differently.

Trauma-related drinking to cope: A novel approach to the self-medication model

Multiple etiological models have been proposed to explain posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) comorbidity, but the predominant model to date is the "drinking to cope" self-medication model. Despite its popularity, the self-medication model lacks rigorous empirical support related to inconsistencies and methodological limitations, particularly the failure to operationalize drinking to cope with trauma symptoms specifically. The present study sought to measure trauma-related drinking to cope (TRD) in order to provide a more specific test of the self-medication model among a representative sample of 1,896 undergraduates with a history of trauma exposure and alcohol use. Using a model-building approach in Mplus, a correlated multiple mediator model tested the association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use problems (AUPs) through TRD and more generalized drinking to cope motives (as assessed by the coping subscale of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire; DMQ-Cope) as moderated by sex. Results indicated that, while accounting for the effects of generalized drinking to cope motives, TRD partially mediated the relation between PTSD symptoms and AUPs and that this relationship was stronger for males than for females. With the exception of moderation by sex, results were substantiated using longitudinal data. Findings were consistent with the self-medication model, suggesting that TRD motives may serve as a mechanism through which PTSD symptoms influence AUPs. TRD may serve as a more specific screening tool for AUP risk among individuals endorsing PTSD symptoms compared with the commonly used DMQ-Cope. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Computerized Clinical Decision Support System for Prompting Brief Alcohol Interventions with Treatment Seeking Smokers: A Sex-Based Secondary Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Trial

Although brief alcohol intervention can reduce alcohol use for both men and women, health care providers (HCPs) are less likely to discuss alcohol use or deliver brief intervention to women compared to men. This secondary analysis examined whether previously reported outcomes from a cluster randomized trial of a clinical decision support system (CDSS)-prompting delivery of a brief alcohol intervention (an educational alcohol resource) for patients drinking above cancer guidelines-were moderated by patients' sex. Patients (n = 5702) enrolled in a smoking cessation program at primary care sites across Ontario, Canada, were randomized to either the intervention (CDSS) or control arm (no CDSS). Logistic generalized estimating equations models were fit for the primary and secondary outcome (HCP offer of resource and patient acceptance of resource, respectively). Previously reported results showed no difference between treatment arms in HCP offers of an educational alcohol resource to eligible patients, but there was increased acceptance of the alcohol resource among patients in the intervention arm. The results of this study showed that these CDSS intervention effects were not moderated by sex, and this can help inform the development of a scalable strategy to overcome gender disparities in alcohol intervention seen in other studies.

Employment recovery capital in the treatment of substance use disorders: Six-month follow-up observations

BACKGROUND

Recovery capital represents client strengths associated with substance use disorder (SUD) recovery. Employment is part of recovery capital supporting long-term recovery. However, specific employment recovery capital (ERC) factors associated with SUD recovery are not well understood.

METHODS

The present study used retrospective logistic regression modeling to predict treatment completion at discharge and substance use at six-month follow-up from employment variables at intake and follow-up. An additional exploratory follow-up of ERC Change is further investigated. Existing clinical data from a random selection of all Iowa SUD treatment facilities receiving public funding from 1999-2016. Clients in the study (N = 8,925) were a mean age of 31.7 (SD = 11.8), mostly male (67.2%), and primarily White (86.6%). Measurements included substance use, treatment completion, ERC Change, demographic, and treatment statistical control variables.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that employment variables at intake predicted greater successful treatment completion, p < 0.0001. However, the same employment variables were predictive of maintained and increased use at six-month follow-up. Further investigation showed the best predictors of post-treatment recovery was a change in employment variables including months employed increase (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.34-1.75) and days missed from work due to substance use decrease (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 2.00-2.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers and providers can help improve client recovery with intervention design, consultation, and policies focused on vocational growth in addition to employment benchmarks of gross income, full-time employment, occupation, primary support, months employed, and work missed. ERC is a promising route to improve the lives for those involved with substance use disorders.

Prevalence of binge drinking and relationships between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking via discrepancy stress among Chinese men

BACKGROUND

Binge drinking is prevalent among male populations. Few studies have investigated masculine role discrepancy (i.e., the perception of being less masculine than the typical 'man')/discrepancy stress (i.e., the strain caused by perceived masculine role discrepancy) and binge drinking among men. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of binge drinking among Chinese men and the associations between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking via discrepancy stress.

METHODS

A random and population-based telephone survey was conducted among Chinese male adults (n = 2000) in Hong Kong. Their levels of masculine role discrepancy and discrepancy stress and presence of binge drinking were tested.

RESULTS

We found that 12.3% of the participants had binge drinking behaviors during the last three months prior to the survey. Age and marital status were significantly associated with binge drinking behaviors. Discrepancy stress was positively associated with binge drinking, and it positively mediated the relationship between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking. However, we found a negative direct association between masculine role discrepancy and binge drinking in the mediation model.

CONCLUSION

The study may shed light on a relatively new and important research direction that links up gender roles and substance use problems. It contributes to an understanding of the potential health impact of gender-role related issues as well as determinants of drinking problems.

Potential roles of masculine role discrepancy, discrepancy stress, and self-esteem in affecting addictive use of social networking sites among Chinese men: A random population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Masculine role discrepancy (i.e., men perceiving themselves not living up to the ideal manhood and being less masculine than the typical "man") and related discrepancy stress were associated with some risk behaviors. No study has looked at their relationships with addictive use of social networking sites (SNSs), an emerging potential public health concern. The study constructed a moderated mediation model to test whether masculine role discrepancy would be positively associated with discrepancy stress, which would, in turn, be positively associated with addictive use of SNS, and whether self-esteem would buffer (moderate) the association between masculine role discrepancy and discrepancy stress.

METHODS

A random population-based cross-sectional telephone survey interviewed 2,000 Hong Kong male adults in the general population.

RESULTS

Currently unmarried and non-cohabiting, younger, and better educated participants reported higher addictive use of SNS scores than others. Adjusted for these variables, masculine role discrepancy and discrepancy stress were positively associated, and self-esteem was negatively associated with addictive use of SNS scores. Path analysis indicated that masculine role discrepancy was associated with addictive use of SNS through discrepancy stress (mediation); self-esteem buffered (moderated) the association between masculine role discrepancy and discrepancy stress; self-esteem was not significantly associated with addictive use of SNS in this model with good fit.

DISCUSSION

The findings support the general strain theory's postulation that strain is associated with stress, which is in turn associated with addictive use of SNS sites. Implications, potential interventions, and future studies are discussed in this study.

Internet Gaming Disorder: An Emergent Health Issue for Men

Internet gaming is a legitimate leisure activity worldwide; however, there are emerging concerns that vast numbers of gamers are becoming addicted. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting more clinical research ahead of formalizing it as a mental disorder. Proposed as a behavioral addiction, IGD shares many similarities in both physical and psychosocial manifestations with substance use disorder, including cerebral changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Among the gaming population, compared to females, adolescent and adult males demonstrate far more addictive internet gaming use in terms of screen hours, craving, and negative impacts on health, which have, in isolated incidents, also caused death. The current article draws findings from a scoping review of literature related to IGD as a means to raising awareness about an emergent men's health issue. Included are three themes: (a) unveiling the nature, impacts and symptoms of IGD; (b) conceptualizing IGD through neuroscience; and (c) treatment approaches to IGD. Afforded by these themes is an overview and synthesis of the existing literature regarding IGD as a means of providing direction for much needed research on gaming addiction and orientating primary care providers (PCPs) to the specificities of IGD in men's health. The findings are applied to a discussion of the connections between IGD and masculinity and the importance of recognizing how behaviors such as social isolation and game immersion can be maladaptive coping strategies for males.

Attachment, Emotion Regulation Difficulties, and Disordered Eating Among College Women and Men

In this study, we examined a structural equation model in which attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with binge eating and restricted eating behaviors through distinct emotion regulation difficulties of emotional reactivity and emotional cutoff among college women ( n = 744) and men ( n = 200). As predicted, attachment anxiety was associated with emotional reactivity which, in turn, was associated with binge eating. Attachment avoidance was associated with emotional cutoff which, in turn, was associated with restricted eating, both in college women and men. Two gender differences were found: the association between emotional cutoff and binge eating was statistically significant only for women, and the association between emotional reactivity and binge eating was stronger for men than for women. Clinical implications are suggested, specifically the importance of addressing attachment insecurities and distinct emotion regulation difficulties related to serving college women and men with binge eating and/or restricted eating behaviors.

Gender differences in trajectories of alcohol use from ages 13 to 33 across Latina/o ethnic groups

BACKGROUND

Research examining alcohol use trajectories among Latina/os is scarce. Further, prior findings on alcohol use by ethnic group and gender is mixed. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a.) to examine developmental trajectories for two types of alcohol (drunkenness and heavy drinking) use across four Latina/o ethnic groups (Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Central/South American, and Mexican Americans) and, (b.) to examine the role of gender and ethnicity in developmental trajectories of drunkenness and heavy drinking among Latina/os.

METHODS

Data were drawn from Waves I-IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The sample consisted of 1670 Latina/os that were followed from adolescence into adulthood. Multi-level logistic regression models were used to estimate drunkenness and heavy drinking trajectories and trajectories by gender.

RESULTS

indicate that, for all four ethnic groups examined, the probability of drunkenness and heavy drinking gradually increased in adolescence, peaked in "emerging adulthood", and decreased as they transitioned into adulthood. Findings also show divergent age trajectories by gender, but patterns varied across ethnicity and alcohol use outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Key findings from this study demonstrate that among Latina/os, there are critical developmental periods for reported drunkenness and heavy drinking in the last 12 months, and that ethnicity and gender play substantial roles in the development of hazardous alcohol use over the life course.

Let's Get Involved! The Impact of Service Learning on Drinking Perceptions, Alcohol Use, and Protective Behaviors in College Students

While there is mounting support for the efficacy of alcohol-based curriculum infusion (CI) programs, studies have yielded mixed results. Insufficient attention has been given to nuances in the types of CI. Using a two-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, this study assessed two forms of CI, information-only (IO) and service learning (SL), on drinking perceptions, drinking behavior, and protective behaviors. When the entire sample was considered, CI significantly improved participants' drinking perceptions and behavior. SL was more effective than IO for one measure of drinking behavior and for protective behaviors. Interestingly, there was a greater decrease in men's drinking behavior and increase in women's protective behaviors in the SL group. This study may help guide health professionals, educators, and faculty members interested in developing alcohol-focused CI programs.

Socioeconomic status and substance use among Swiss young men: a population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status (SES) is often inversely related to health outcomes and is likely to play a role in the use of psychoactive substances among young individuals, although little consensus exists on the association between SES and substance use. The purpose of the study was to determine the association of three SES indicators (perceived family income, education level of participants, and parental education level) with past year use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, other illicit drugs and non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMPD) among Swiss young men.

METHODS

Population-based cross-sectional study of 5,702 men at mean age twenty. Associations between SES indicators and substance use were assessed with regression models adjusted for age and linguistic region.

RESULTS

Participants with average or below average perceived family income were less likely to report any use of alcohol (OR = O.75) but more likely to use tobacco daily (OR = 1.31) and cannabis weekly (OR = 1.27) compared to those with perceived above average family income. Participants whose parents had only achieved obligatory education were less likely to engage in any use of alcohol (OR = 0.30), monthly risky single occasion drinking (RSOD, defined as 6 or more drinks per occasion) (OR = 0.48), any use of cannabis (OR = 0.53) and other illicit drugs (OR = 0.58), whereas those whose parents had only achieved secondary education were less at risk of engaging in cannabis (OR = 0.66 for any use and OR = 0.77 for more than once a week use) and other illicit drugs (OR = 0.74) use, compared to those whose parents had achieved tertiary education. Compared to participants who completed secondary or tertiary education, those who completed only obligatory education reported a higher risk of tobacco (OR = 1.18 for any use, OR = 1.31 for daily use), cannabis (OR = 1.23 for any use, OR = 1.37 for more than once a week use), and other illicit drugs (OR = 1.48) use. No association was found between NMPD and the studied SES variables.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between SES and substance use was complex in this sample. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with more alcohol and other illicit drugs use, while lower socioeconomic status was related to more tobacco use. Education level and perceived family income may have different impacts on substance use and may vary by substance.

"Dulling the Edges": Young Men's Use of Alcohol to Deal With Grief Following the Death of a Male Friend

BACKGROUND

The death of a male friend can be challenging for men because expressions of grief can be governed and restrained by dominant ideals of masculinity. It is common for young men to engage in health risk practices, such as alcohol overuse, to deal with feelings of sadness.

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study investigated the ways that young men use alcohol in the process of grieving the accidental death of a male friend.

METHOD

Participants included 35 men 19 to 25 years old and 22 men 26 to 35 years old who participated in individual semistructured interviews between 2010 and 2012.

RESULTS

Methodology informed by grounded theory and narrative analysis was used to analyse and interpret the transcribed interviews, focusing on the ways that men used alcohol in the grief process. Through data analysis we inductively derived three themes: (1) Using Alcohol to Dull the Pain, (2) Using Alcohol to Purge Sadness, and (3) Troubled Drinking.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence to show that men's binge drinking following tragic loss is a means to express emotion and connect with others. Health interventions for young men who have lost a male peer need to be sensitive to gendered norms that inform grief practices and work with them to discern pathways toward recovery that promote long-term wellness.

Take One for the Team? Influence of Team and Individual Sport Participation on High School Athlete Substance Use Patterns

The current web-based survey investigated the association between team or individual sport participation (or both) and self-reported alcohol and tobacco use among high school athletes (N=1, 275) transitioning to college. Peak Blood Alcohol Concentration, weekly drinking, and alcohol-related problems were significantly lower among athletes in individual sports compared to other groups. Athletes competing in both team and individual sports reported greater lifetime tobacco use and combined alcohol/tobacco use compared to individual or team sports alone. Preventive strategies targeting HS athletes in general and those participating in team sports in particular may be useful in minimizing future alcohol use and related problems.

I think I can't: drink refusal self-efficacy as a mediator of the relationship between self-reported drinking identity and alcohol use

This study examined the relationship between self-reported drinking identity (SRDI), defined as how closely individuals believe drinking is a crucial aspect of their identity (Conner, Warren, Close, & Sparks, 1999), and alcohol use by considering drink-refusal self-efficacy (DRSE) as a potential mediator. Based on previous findings, we expected that SRDI would be negatively associated with DRSE and positively associated with drinking, and that DRSE would be negatively linked with drinking. Further, we expected that DRSE would mediate the association between SRDI and drinking. Participants included 1069 undergraduate students (M age=22.93years, SD=6.29, 76.25% female) from a large southern university who completed computer-based study materials. Gender was associated with SRDI, each of the DRSE subscales, and drinking, indicating that males report greater SRDI, lower DRSE, and increased alcohol consumption. Consistent with expectations, SRDI was negatively linked with DRSE and positively linked with drinking. DRSE subscales were negatively associated with drinking. Further, four measurement models for latent variables were tested for SRDI and each of the three DRSE subscales. Results showed that the emotional relief and social subscales of DRSE mediated the association between SRDI and drinking, however this mediating relationship did not emerge for the opportunistic subscale. Implications of these results are discussed.

Harmful drinking and experiences of alcohol-related violence in Australian male construction industry apprentices

This study sought to understand the prevalence of harmful alcohol use in a sample of Australian male construction industry apprentices and also examine alcohol-related violence. Although previous Australian research indicated that 45% of construction industry apprentices had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores indicative of harmful drinking, the current study identified that 66% of construction industry apprentices were drinking at harmful levels. It also identified positive correlations between harmful drinking behavior and alcohol-related violence (and precursors of violence such as verbal abuse). The article notes the role of masculine identity in alcohol consumption, particularly as it relates to the male-dominated construction industry. The article concludes by making recommendations for implementation of preventative education campaigns in apprentices' workplaces (or in training colleges), as it provides opportune settings to focus on high-risk groups, which are otherwise often difficult to access.

Can patterns of alcohol use disorder in young adulthood help explain gender differences in depression?

OBJECTIVE

To test whether gender differences in the prevalence of major depressive disorder differ by longitudinal patterns of alcohol use disorder symptoms.

METHOD

Data are from a prospective longitudinal study examining a broad range of mental health and substance use problems. A gender-balanced sample of 808 participants was interviewed at ages 21, 24, 27, and 30. The sample was divided into subgroups corresponding to longitudinal patterns of alcohol use disorder derived from latent class growth analysis.

RESULTS

Four patterns of alcohol use disorder symptoms were identified: A "low disorder symptom" group, a "decreaser" group, an "increaser" group, and a "chronic disorder symptom" group. Rates of depression were significantly higher for females only among those with a pattern of chronic or decreasing alcohol disorder symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated rates of depression among females in young adulthood may depend on patterns of co-occurring alcohol disorder symptoms. Practitioners should pay particular attention to signs of chronic alcohol use disorders and associated risks for depression among young adult women.

Men on Fathering in the Context of Children’s Unintentional Injury Prevention

Injuries are a leading cause of death for children, and parental safety behaviors are fundamental to child injury prevention. Fathers’ perspectives are largely absent. Our novel research connects masculinities, fathering, and childhood injury. Sixteen fathers of children aged 2 to 7 years in two Canadian urban settings participated in photo-elicitation interviews detailing activities they enjoyed with their children and concerns regarding child safety. Participants described how elements of risk, protection, and emotional connection influenced their approach to fathering as it related to injury prevention. Most men considered engaging children in risk as key to facilitating development and described strategies for protecting their children while engaging in risk. Many men identified how the presence of an emotional connection to their children allowed them to gauge optimal levels of risk and protection. There exists a tremendous opportunity to work with fathers to assist in their efforts to keep their children safe.

I can play all night: examining the relationship between perceived tolerance and drinking game alcohol consumption

The present study examined the impact of perceived tolerance to alcohol on maximum alcohol consumption while playing drinking games. Participants were student drinkers (N=3,546) from two west coast universities. Among these students, 69.2% (n=2,290) reported playing a drinking game in the past month. Analyses demonstrated game players had higher perceived tolerances, and consumed more alcohol than non-game players. A regression model revealed that higher levels of perceived tolerance were related to increased maximal alcohol consumption while playing drinking games. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

Faux masculinities among college men who experience depression

Depression is a significant problem among college men that can be complicated by masculine ideals of stoicism, reluctance to seek help, and risky self-management strategies. Underpinning these issues are complexities in recognizing what behaviors might be indicative of college men’s depressive symptoms. Findings drawn from a qualitative study of 25 Canadian-based college men who self-identified or were diagnosed with depression revealed three predominant masculine identities: the angry man; the solitary man; and the risk-reliant man. Within each of these themes men embodied aspects of idealized masculinity that were difficult to distinguish as symptoms of depression or as representative of the activities with which many college men partake. The angry man identity described men who expressed anger, at least in part, to dissipate depression invoked pain and emotional distress. The solitary man category included men who self-isolated, fearing that others would recognize and judge them as harboring depression. Risk-reliant men employed strategies including alcohol and other drug overuse rather than relinquish control by engaging with professional health care providers and services. Guided by the overall findings we argue this phenomenon as ‘faux masculinities’ – characterized by men’s engagement in practices consistent with idealized masculine identities but that emerge from and/or in response to the experience of depression. Faux masculinities are discussed within the context of the challenges posed for college men and their health care providers in pointing toward targeted depression interventions.

Health, masculinity and smokeless tobacco use among college-aged men

Existing work on smokeless tobacco (SLT) often focuses on correlates and predictors of use, ignoring the social and cultural context surrounding initiation and continued use of SLT products. The current study takes a qualitative approach using guided focus groups to examine this unexplored context. The findings show that male SLT users gain social rewards from dipping with other men, and usage is initiated and continued in spite of known potential health consequences. For the men participating in this study SLT use was primarily initiated at social or athletic events with the encouragement of other men and continued for relational maintenance and bonding. Additionally, the men reported that the social rewards received from using SLT far outweighed any potential health consequences or negative social repercussions they might also experience. Implications for future research and health interventions targeting SLT use are discussed.

Other-sex friendships in late adolescence: risky associations for substance use and sexual debut?

Adolescents' friendships with other-sex peers serve important developmental functions, but they may also facilitate engagement in problem behavior. This study examines the unique contributions of other-sex friendships and friends' behavior to alcohol use, smoking, and initiation of sexual intercourse among late adolescent girls and boys. A total of 320 adolescents (53% girls; 33% racial/ethnic minorities) provided sociometric nominations of friendships annually in grades 10-12. Friendship networks were derived using social network analysis in each grade. Adolescents and their friends also reported on their alcohol use, smoking, and sexual debut at each assessment. After controlling for demographics, previous problem behavior, and friends' behavior, other-sex friendships in 10th grade were associated with initiation of smoking among girls over the following year, and other-sex friendships in 11th grade were linked with lower levels of subsequent alcohol use among boys. Additionally, friends' smoking and sexual experience in 10th grade predicted the same behaviors for all adolescents over the following year. Other-sex friendships thus appear to serve as a risk context for adolescent girls' smoking and a protective context for adolescent boys' drinking. Promoting mixed-gender activities and friendships among older high school students may be helpful in reducing males' alcohol use, but may need to incorporate additional components to prevent increases in females' smoking.

Raced and Gendered Reactions to the Deviance of Drunkenness: A Sociological Analysis of Race and Gender Disparities in Alcohol Use

Research has consistently documented race and gender disparities in alcohol use. In this article, I refine the “time-out” hypothesis while arguing that these longstanding disparities in use are in part due to the impact of gender and race on deviance categorization. Public drinking behaviors operate within social spaces that may or may not be hospitable to a given person's gender and/or race status. I explore how formal and informal modes of social control influence alcohol use behavior. Findings are based on semistructured interviews with 78 American Black, White, male and female college students. Grounded theory was used in the development of three themes: (a) Acute awareness of women's otherness: multiple jeopardy and the multiple standard of alcohol use; (b) the gendered violence of women's marginalization; and (c) fear of violent victimization: alcohol and the dangerous Black male. Each theme illustrates how social inequalities structure alcohol use and reactions to alcohol use differently, depending on the intersections of race, gender, and situated contexts.

Alcohol and risky sexual behavior among heavy drinking college students

Multiple event-level methodology was used to examine the relation between risky sexual behavior and alcohol use among sexually active, heavy drinking college students (N = 221). Using a structured timeline follow-back interview, participants reported their sexual, alcohol, and drug use behaviors over a 3-month period. Over 2,700 vaginal or anal sexual events were reported from 177 participants. Overall, condom use was not associated with heavy or non-heavy alcohol consumption among those reporting both sexual events concurrent with heavy drinking and when no alcohol was consumed. Results from multilevel regression analyses revealed a more complex pattern. Among women, but not men, less condom use was associated with steady versus casual sexual partners, but partner type interacted with alcohol consumption such that less condom use occurred when heavy drinking preceded sex with steady partners. At the event-level, alcohol consumption among heavy drinking college students leads to risky sexual behavior but the relation differs by gender and partner type.

Nonmedical prescription drug use among college students: a comparison between athletes and nonathletes

OBJECTIVE

Given the substantial increase in nonmedical prescription drug use in recent years and a lack of research on the topic, the author analyzed data on nonmedical prescription drug use among college students.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Using data from the 2001 College Alcohol Study (N = 10,904), the author examined variation in nonmedical prescription drug use on the basis of athletic involvement. Previous research shows that college athletes are at greater risk for certain types of substance use.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that athletes are less likely to report nonmedical prescription drug use than are nonathletes.

CONCLUSIONS

This shows that involvement in athletics, especially for women, is a protective factor for substance use among college students.

Is gender relevant only for problem alcohol behaviors? An examination of correlates of alcohol use among college students

This study examined correlates of alcohol use: substance-use coping, drinking to "feel high," and depressive symptoms as related to drinking behaviors in males and females. A sample of 266 female and 140 male college students from a private and public college were surveyed. Males reported more frequent alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, binge drinking, substance-use coping, and drinking to "feel high." There were no gender differences in self-reported depressive symptoms. Alcohol-use frequency and binge drinking were both accounted for by substance-use coping and drinking to "feel high" among males and females. However, alcohol-related problems were accounted for by males' frequency of alcohol use and drinking to "feel high," whereas females' problems were accounted for by frequency of alcohol use and depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that motivation for drinking is a more robust correlate of alcohol-related problems among males, while depressive symptomatology is a more relevant correlate of alcohol-related problems among females.

Summarizing 25 Years of Research on Men's Gender Role Conflict Using the Gender Role Conflict Scale

This article reviews 232 empirical studies that used the Gender Role Conflict Scale (GRCS) over the past 25 years (1982-2007). The article introduces the gender role conflict (GRC) construct using past definitions and theoretical models. The research findings for diverse men are summarized and studies related to men's intrapersonal, interpersonal, and therapeutic lives are analyzed. The empirical support, criticism, and challenges to the gender role conflict research program are reviewed. A contextual research paradigm with seven domains is presented and 18 research questions and two research models are discussed to foster more moderation and mediation studies on men's GRC. A new diagnostic schema to assess men's GRC in therapy and during psychoeducational interventions is discussed. The research review concludes that GRC is significantly related to men's psychological and interpersonal problems and therefore an important construct for psychologists and other helping professionals.

Substance use among college athletes: a comparison based on sport/team affiliation

OBJECTIVE

Prior research shows that college athletes have higher rates of substance use, especially alcohol, than do college students who are not involved in athletics. To augment the literature, the author sought to determine which sports/teams are at the greatest risk for substance use.

PARTICIPANTS

The author used data from the 1999 Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study, a national survey of college and university students in the United States.

METHODS

A series of chi-square and logistic regression models examined variation in substance use among college athletes on the basis of sport/team affiliation.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that male hockey and female soccer athletes were the most likely to report substance use and that male basketball and cross-country/track athletes reported lower levels of substance use.

CONCLUSION

There is variation in substance use on the basis of sport/team affiliation, and future researchers should examine why certain groups of athletes have higher rates of substance use.

Bad luck or bad decisions: college students' perceptions of the reasons for and consequences of their alcohol overdose

Reasons for and immediate consequences of an alcohol overdose were explored for 217 undergraduate students requiring a medical emergency transport because of excessive alcohol consumption. The sample was categorized into 26 students attributing their overdose solely to bad luck and 191 students citing bad decision making as an explanation. A discriminant analysis portrayed the bad luck students as more likely to change the type of alcohol consumed, worrying more about problems with friends, less likely to change how much they drink and less likely to feel that they learned something about themselves. Friends were not named as being involved, but lapses in knowing how to pace consumption were frequently cited. Design of preventive educational programs for underage drinkers with the aim of avoiding an overdose is discussed.

Examining Problem Drinking and Eating Disorders from a Gendered Perspective

The two studies presented here examined the relationship between problem drinking and eating disorders in college students. Although there was little evidence of a concurrent relationship between the two, there were differences related to gender. In addition, there were differences between women who were and were not sorority members with respect to problem drinking, but not eating disorders. The value of addressing these problems from a gendered perspective is discussed.

Pluralistic ignorance and college student perceptions of gender-specific alcohol norms

Students' perceived norms and personal concern about alcohol use were examined in 4 (N=971) experiments. Men reported that same-sex peers were less concerned about campus alcohol practices than themselves or female students; women believed that they were more concerned about campus alcohol practices than both same- and opposite-sex peers (Experiments 1 and 2). Additional evidence suggested that students were not merely engaging in impression management. Men reported more social pressure to drink and greater embarrassment about expressing drinking-related concerns; women expected more severe consequences if they drank excessively (Experiment 3). A male student (vs female student) expressing concerns about alcohol was believed to experience greater difficulties fitting in (Experiment 4). Implications for peer influence and drug use intervention are discussed.

Promoting screening and early detection of cancer in men

Gender is a factor in the risk assessment for many diseases. It may also impact on the way in which men assess their personal health or illness status and take action to prevent illness or promote well-being. This paper is focused on three objectives: (i) to foster an understanding of gender differences in health promoting behaviors; (ii) to review three health issues affecting males for which dissemination of health education, increased personal awareness and early detection may be beneficial in the reduction of morbidity and mortality; and (iii) to offer suggestions for nurses and other health care professionals to promote positive patient-provider interactions within a health-care framework for action.