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Shank F, Korovich M, Nicoletti A, Angelone DJ, Jones MC. The Influence of Health-Related Behavior Profiles on College Students' Perceptions of COVID-19 Safety Measures. J Community Health 2024; 49:1-9. [PMID: 38413406 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
College students often engage in multiple health-related behaviors simultaneously which can lead to negative outcomes and further risky behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, college students reported decreased condom use, increased solitary cannabis use, and increased alcohol consumption. This current study aimed to (1) identify profiles of health-related behaviors (i.e., alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and sexual behaviors), and (2) determine if these profiles would differ in engagement and perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 preventative measures. Participants were 273 college students from a large Northeastern U.S. public university who completed surveys about health-related behaviors during the 2021 academic year. We used a latent profile analysis to identify distinct subgroups of college students based on their engagement in health-related behaviors. Based on fit indices a three-profile solution showed the best fit: low (N = 196), moderate (N = 54), and high (N = 23). Two one-way ANOVAs examined whether profile membership predicted engagement and perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 safety measures. Participants in the low health-related behaviors profile engaged in preventative measures more than students in the other two profiles. However, profile membership did not predict perceived effectiveness of preventative behaviors. Taken together, our results indicate that college students reporting lower levels of health-related behaviors engage in more preventative measures during a pandemic. Understanding distinct health-related behaviors profiles among college students, and their links with COVID-preventative health-related behaviors, can inform prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Shank
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA.
| | - Megan Korovich
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
| | - Alexandra Nicoletti
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
| | - D J Angelone
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
| | - Meredith C Jones
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA
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Jackson K, Meisel M, Sokolovsky A, Chen K, Barnett N. Detecting and Understanding Social Influence During Drinking Situations: Protocol for a Bluetooth-Based Sensor Feasibility and Acceptability Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e50650. [PMID: 38842927 PMCID: PMC11190624 DOI: 10.2196/50650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk alcohol consumption among young adults frequently occurs in the presence of peers who are also drinking. A high-risk drinking situation may consist of particular social network members who have a primary association with drinking. Fine-grained approaches such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA) are growing in popularity for studying real-time social influence, but studies using these approaches exclusively rely on participant self-report. Passive indicators of peer presence using Bluetooth-based technology to detect real-time interactions have the potential to assist in the development of just-in-time interventions. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using a Bluetooth-based sensor and smartphone app to measure social contact in real-world drinking situations. METHODS Young adults (N=20) who drink heavily and report social drinking will be recruited from the community to participate in a 3-week EMA study. Using a social network interview, index participants will identify and recruit 3 of their friends to carry a Bluetooth beacon. Participants will complete a series of EMA reports on their own personal Android devices including random reports; morning reports; first-drink reports; and signal-contingent reports, which are triggered following the detection of a beacon carried by a peer participant. EMA will assess alcohol use and characteristics of the social environment, including who is nearby and who is drinking. For items about peer proximity and peer drinking, a customized peer list will be presented to participants. Feedback about the study protocol will be ascertained through weekly contact with both index and peer participants, followed by a qualitative interview at the end of the study. We will examine the feasibility and acceptability of recruitment, enrollment of participants and peers, and retention. Feasibility will be determined using indexes of eligibility, enrollment, and recruitment. Acceptability will be determined through participant enrollment and retention, protocol compliance, and participant-reported measures of acceptability. Feasibility and acceptability for peer participants will be informed by enrollment rates, latency to enrollment, compliance with carrying the beacon, and self-reported reasons for compliance or noncompliance with beacon procedures. Finally, EMA data about peer proximity and peer drinking will support the validity of the peer selection process. RESULTS Participant recruitment began in February 2023, and enrollment was completed in December 2023. Results will be reported in 2025. CONCLUSIONS The protocol allows us to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a Bluetooth-based sensor for the detection of social contact between index participants and their friends, including social interactions during real-world drinking situations. Data from this study will inform just-in-time adaptive interventions seeking to address drinking in the natural environment by providing personalized feedback about a high-risk social context and alerting an individual that they are in a potentially unsafe situation. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/50650.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Jackson
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Matthew Meisel
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Alexander Sokolovsky
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Katie Chen
- Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Nancy Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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daSilva EB, Wood A. How and Why People Synchronize: An Integrated Perspective. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2024:10888683241252036. [PMID: 38770754 DOI: 10.1177/10888683241252036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Academic AbstractInterpersonal synchrony, the alignment of behavior and/or physiology during interactions, is a pervasive phenomenon observed in diverse social contexts. Here we synthesize across contexts and behaviors to classify the different forms and functions of synchrony. We provide a concise framework for classifying the manifold forms of synchrony along six dimensions: periodicity, discreteness, spatial similarity, directionality, leader-follower dynamics, and observability. We also distill the various proposed functions of interpersonal synchrony into four interconnected functions: reducing complexity and improving understanding, accomplishing joint tasks, strengthening social connection, and influencing partners' behavior. These functions derive from first principles, emerge from each other, and are accomplished by some forms of synchrony more than others. Effective synchrony flexibly adapts to social goals and more synchrony is not always better. Our synthesis offers a shared framework and language for the field, allowing for better cross-context and cross-behavior comparisons, generating new hypotheses, and highlighting future research directions.
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Strowger M, Meisel MK, Haikalis M, Rogers ML, Barnett NP. Associations between frequency of exposure to peer-generated alcohol-related posts and alcohol use within a social network of college students. Addict Behav 2024; 152:107956. [PMID: 38301589 PMCID: PMC10988997 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Peer alcohol use, commonly assessed via perceptions of how many drinks peers consume, is a robust predictor of college drinking. These perceptions are formed by in-person exposure to peer drinking but also may be affected by seeing alcohol-related content (ARC) shared on peer social media accounts. Most research assesses exposure by asking about the frequency of ARC sharing by a whole friend group, potentially missing influences from specific friends. Social network methods collect information about specific friends and their behavior but few studies have used these methods to examine the effects of ARC on drinking, nor have they examined potential moderators of this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine whether perceived frequency of exposure to ARC shared by social network members on social media is associated with participant alcohol use after controlling for network members' self-reported alcohol use, and if participant gender and relationship qualities with network members moderate this association. Participants were 994 college students (Mage = 21.17, SD = 0.47; 61.8 % female; 55.4 % White; 12.3 % Hispanic) who completed a web-based survey. Due to the social network design, network autocorrelation analyses were conducted, which revealed that greater perceived frequency of exposure to network member ARC was significantly associated with higher alcohol quantity above and beyond network members' alcohol use. Peer ARC had a unique association with drinking behavior independent of in-person peer alcohol use, although the cross-sectional design precludes making causal inferences. Clinicians delivering alcohol interventions to college students may wish to discuss exposure to ARC as another important source of peer influence and how media literacy may help reduce the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Strowger
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Matthew K Meisel
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Michelle Haikalis
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Michelle L Rogers
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Nancy P Barnett
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
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Barnett NP, Sokolovsky AW, Meisel MK, Forkus SR, Jackson KM. A Bluetooth-Based Smartphone App for Detecting Peer Proximity: Protocol for Evaluating Functionality and Validity. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e50241. [PMID: 38578672 PMCID: PMC11031693 DOI: 10.2196/50241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is commonly used to study social contexts and social influence in the real world, EMA almost exclusively relies on participant self-report of present circumstances, including the proximity to influential peers. There is the potential for developing a proximity sensing approach that uses small Bluetooth beacons and smartphone-based detection and data collection to collect information about interactions between individuals passively in real time. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to describe the methods for evaluating the functionality and validity of a Bluetooth-based beacon and a smartphone app to identify when ≥2 individuals are physically proximal. METHODS We will recruit 20 participants aged 18 to 29 years with Android smartphones to complete a 3-week study during which beacon detection and self-report data will be collected using a smartphone app (MEI Research). Using an interviewer-administered social network interview, participants will identify up to 3 peers of the same age who are influential on health behavior (alcohol use in this study). These peers will be asked to carry a Bluetooth beacon (Kontakt asset tag) for the duration of the study; each beacon has a unique ID that, when detected, will be recorded by the app on the participant's phone. Participants will be prompted to respond to EMA surveys (signal-contingent reports) when a peer beacon encounter meets our criteria and randomly 3 times daily (random reports) and every morning (morning reports) to collect information about the presence of peers. In all reports, the individualized list of peers will be presented to participants, followed by questions about peer and participant behavior, including alcohol use. Data from multiple app data sets, including beacon encounter specifications, notification, and app logs, participant EMA self-reports and postparticipation interviews, and peer surveys, will be used to evaluate project goals. We will examine the functionality of the technology, including the stability of the app (eg, app crashes and issues opening the app), beacon-to-app detection (ie, does the app detect proximal beacons?), and beacon encounter notification when encounter criteria are met. The validity of the technology will be defined as the concordance between passive detection of peers via beacon-to-app communication and the participant's EMA report of peer presence. Disagreement between the beacon and self-report data (ie, false negatives and false positives) will be investigated in multiple ways (ie, to determine if the reason was technology-related or participant compliance-related) using encounter data and information collected from participants and peers. RESULTS Participant recruitment began in February 2023, and enrollment was completed in December 2023. Results will be reported in 2025. CONCLUSIONS This Bluetooth-based technology has important applications and clinical implications for various health behaviors, including the potential for just-in-time adaptive interventions that target high-risk behavior in real time. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/50241.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy P Barnett
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Alexander W Sokolovsky
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Matthew K Meisel
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Shannon R Forkus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Kristina M Jackson
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Strowger M, Guzman RA, Geyer RB, Ward RM, Braitman AL. Following social media influencers who share alcohol-related content is associated with college drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:86-97. [PMID: 37248671 PMCID: PMC10684821 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frequent exposure to peer-shared alcohol-related content (ARC) on social media is associated with greater alcohol consumption and related consequences among undergraduates. Social media influencers also share ARC; yet, the effect of exposure to influencer-shared ARC on alcohol outcomes has not been examined. The current study examined whether following influencers who share ARC and the frequency of sharing were associated with alcohol outcomes, and associations between influencer type (e.g., actors) and alcohol outcomes. METHODS Undergraduates (N = 528) from two universities in the United States completed an online survey assessing demographics, social media use, alcohol use and related consequences. They listed up to five influencers they followed and viewed the most content from. A series of linear regression models were conducted. RESULTS Having a larger proportion of influencers sharing ARC was associated with greater quantity, frequency and peak drinks, but not consequences. Frequency of influencers sharing ARC was associated with greater quantity and peak drinks, but not frequency or consequences. Findings remained significant, even after controlling for peer ARC. Actor ARC, everyday person ARC and 'other' type influencer ARC were associated with several alcohol outcomes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study added to the literature by examining how following influencers who share ARC, and sharing frequency, were associated with drinking outcomes over and above exposure to peer ARC. It also examined whether ARC content from specific types of influencers was associated with alcohol outcomes. Findings highlight that the source of ARC is relevant when studying the effects of ARC exposure on college drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Strowger
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA
| | | | | | - Rose Marie Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Abby L. Braitman
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA
- Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, USA
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Maillet MA, Grouzet FME. Understanding changes in eating behavior during the transition to university from a self-determination theory perspective: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:422-439. [PMID: 34292133 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1891922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to understand how and why eating behavior changes during the transition to university, and interpret findings from a self-determination theory perspective (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Methods: We searched six databases and identified 51 articles with findings involving changes in eating behavior during the transition to university. Results: During this transition, students eat less food, less healthy, and less regularly. These changes are mostly among students who move into a university residence or off-campus housing, with few changes in eating behavior among students who continue living at home. Yet, incoming students with food skills and experience living independently seem less likely to experience these changes. Conclusions: The university context offers challenges to eating healthy. Students' satisfaction of psychological needs may explain observed changes in habits, self-regulation, and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles A Maillet
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Youth and Society, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Frederick M E Grouzet
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Youth and Society, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Boyle HK, Singh S, López G, Carey KB, Jackson KM, Merrill JE. A qualitative examination of the decision-making process of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use: Intentions and willingness. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:168-179. [PMID: 36480451 PMCID: PMC10275144 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and cannabis use are common among young adults and most young adults who use both substances have used them simultaneously (i.e., using both substances so their effects overlap). Because simultaneous use is associated with a greater number and severity of consequences than single substance use, research is needed to examine the decision-making process of engaging in this high-risk behavior. We conducted a qualitative examination of intentions (i.e., plans) and willingness (i.e., one's openness to engage in the behavior if an opportunity presents itself) to engage in simultaneous use from the perspective of young adults who frequently report this substance use behavior. METHODS We recruited 36 young adults who reported simultaneous use and heavy drinking (4+/5+ drinks for women/men; 64% women, ages 18 to 25) to participate in semi-structured interviews. All interviews were double coded for thematic analysis and both novel and a priori themes were found. RESULTS Young adults distinguished between intending to engage in simultaneous use and being willing to engage in simultaneous use. They reported that intentions and willingness varied from occasion to occasion. They also reported that context and alcohol consumption influenced their willingness to engage in simultaneous use. Peer pressure or offers increased their willingness to use cannabis while drinking and having current or next-day responsibilities decreased their willingness to engage in simultaneous use. Additionally, planned simultaneous use occasions were characterized as being special events where young adults consumed more substances, but were more likely to monitor their use than unplanned occasions. CONCLUSIONS Intentions and willingness may be important proximal predictors of simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis. Building off this qualitative work, quantitative research should identify which factors influence the decision-making process to engage in simultaneous use and determine when intentions and willingness are most predictive of risky simultaneous use behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly K Boyle
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Samyukta Singh
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gabriela López
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kate B Carey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kristina M Jackson
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jennifer E Merrill
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Meisel MK, Haikalis M, Colby SM, Barnett NP. Social Network Composition, Relationship Type, and Alcohol Use Among Young Adults Not in Four-Year College. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 58:44-53. [PMID: 36447365 PMCID: PMC10108984 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2148476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background: The drinking of social network members has been consistently associated with personal drinking. However, less attention has been paid to emerging adult populations outside of four-year college students and to potential moderators of this relationship. In a sample of emerging adults who never attended four-year college, this research examined: 1) the compositional characteristics of the social networks, 2) the association between the drinking of network members and personal drinking, and 3) how the association between network and personal drinking was moderated by relationship type (e.g., friend, parents, significant other). Methods: Data was provided by a sample of 525 emerging adults who participated in Qualtrics Panels. Results: In this noncollege sample, the composition of the social network was diverse, with roughly one-third of network members being friends and a little less than half being family members. Parents tended to consume alcohol more frequently than friends and significant others, but participants consumed alcohol more frequently with friends and significant others. Furthermore, drinking among friends and significant others tended to have stronger associations with personal alcohol use than drinking among parents. However, relationship type did not moderate the association between drinking with network members and personal alcohol use. Conclusions: Because of this, interventions need to be delivered to drinking groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K. Meisel
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Michelle Haikalis
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Suzanne M. Colby
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Nancy P. Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
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Ott MQ, Clark MA, Balestrieri SG, Gamarel KE, Barnett NP. Social Networks and Sexual and Gender Minority Disparities in Alcohol Use and Consequences Among First-Year College Students. LGBT Health 2022; 9:489-495. [PMID: 35727117 PMCID: PMC9587779 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: In this work, we investigate the association between social relationships and alcohol use and the related consequences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students, and we highlight the importance of SGM social networks as a potential protective factor among SGM college students. Methods: The study used data from 1340 students (47.2% White and non-Hispanic, 55.4% assigned female at birth, 16.3% SGM), which were collected during the 2016 fall semester of the first year of college at one university. The study collected information about alcohol use and related consequences and about the social networks of participants through a peer nomination survey. Results: Regardless of SGM status, students who nominated at least one SGM peer reported significantly lower drinks per week (β = -0.69, p = 0.04) and heavy drinking frequency (β = -0.38, p = 0.02) after adjusting for relevant covariates including peer drinking. SGM participants showed a significantly stronger negative association between having an SGM peer and heavy drinking frequency and alcohol-related consequences than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts (β = -0.90, p = 0.04; β = -1.32, p = 0.03). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of SGM social networks as a potential protective factor for reducing alcohol use and related consequences among SGM college students. College campuses should identify ways to support connections among SGM students. Clinical trials registration number is NCT02895984.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Q. Ott
- Program in Statistical and Data Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa A. Clark
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sara G. Balestrieri
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nancy P. Barnett
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Patterson MS, Prochnow T, Nelon JL, Spadine MN, Brown SE, Lanning BA. Egocentric network composition and structure relative to violence victimization among a sample of college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:2017-2025. [PMID: 33264085 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1841777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo use egocentric network analysis to understand how composition and structure of egonetworks relate to violence victimization among college students. Participants: 697 students from a large southeastern university completed online surveys. Methods: Hierarchical logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between egocentric network variables and a history of violence victimization. Results: Being connected to others with a history of violence victimization increased a student's odds of indicating their own history of physical, emotional, and sexual violence victimization. Having less dense egonetworks was related to sexual violence victimization, while being connected to less people of the same gender was related to emotional violence victimization. Conclusion: The way college students' networks are composed and structured could help in understanding violence victimization in this population, and should be considered in prevention and reactionary efforts on campuses. These findings add to the current literature largely focused on individual-level risk factors related to violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Patterson
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - T Prochnow
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - J L Nelon
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - M N Spadine
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - S E Brown
- Texas School Safety Center, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - B A Lanning
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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Vest BM, Goodell EMA, Homish DL, Homish GG. Effects of Social Network Characteristics on Mental Health Outcomes Among United States Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:1268-1278. [PMID: 34981277 PMCID: PMC9250539 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00935-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We sought to examine the relative salience of multiple social network structural characteristics (e.g., size, composition, quality, substance use) for understanding soldiers' mental health symptoms (anger, anxiety, depression, PTSD). Data are drawn from soldiers (N = 421) participating in the Operation: SAFETY study. Negative binomial regression models examined the relationship between ten social network characteristics and mental health outcomes, controlling for age, sex, years of military service, and deployment history. Greater number of close network ties was associated with fewer symptoms of anger, anxiety, and depression (ps < 0.05), but not PTSD. Having more illicit drug-using network ties was associated with greater severity of anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). Finally, more days spent drinking with network members was related to higher levels of anger (p < 0.05). Interpersonal relationships that entail substance use are associated with greater anxiety and anger while a greater number of close ties is associated with fewer anger, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Vest
- Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 77 Goodell Street, Suite 220, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| | - Erin M Anderson Goodell
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - D Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Gregory G Homish
- Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 77 Goodell Street, Suite 220, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Patterson MS, Prochnow T, Russell AM, Barry AE, Fehr SK. Associations Between Sexual Assault Victimization and Risky Drinking Within College Women's Personal Networks. Violence Against Women 2022; 28:2603-2623. [PMID: 35754385 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221077128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Within a sample of college women, this study assessed if an individual's (i.e., ego) history of sexual assault was related to her connecting with risky drinkers, and if her social contacts (i.e., alters) who had experienced sexual assault were also people who engaged in risky drinking. Results suggest ego's history of sexual assault was associated with her connecting to risky drinkers. Generally, egos reported alters who experienced sexual assault were more likely to drink in higher quantities, except when the ego and alter both had experienced sexual assault. Findings highlight the importance of social connections for survivors of sexual assault.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adam E Barry
- 2655Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sara K Fehr
- 2655Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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14
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Bartel SJ, Sherry SB, Stewart SH. Examining Social Influences on Why We Drink: Perceived Drinking Motives in the Social Network Impact Individuals' Own Drinking Motives and Alcohol Use. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1931-1939. [PMID: 36103629 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2120364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: A significant body of research has investigated the impacts of social influence and social selection on binge drinking and risk factors for binge drinking in emerging adults; however, one risk factor for binge drinking that has yet to be thoroughly investigated in this regard is drinking motives. Preliminary research suggests the motives of others may impact emerging adults' own alcohol use indirectly through their own motives (i.e., social influence). While these are important findings, research to date has been only conducted with adolescents or dyads and has not examined selection (i.e., selecting social network members with similar motives). We filled these gaps with a longitudinal egocentric social network design. Methods: Emerging adults (N = 177) completed measures on their alcohol use, drinking motives, and social networks at baseline (T1) and four-month follow-up (T2). Results: A cross-lagged panel model indicated T1 perceived network drinking motives predicted T2 participant drinking motives (for all motives but social), but T1 participant drinking motives did not predict T2 perceived network drinking motives. Path analysis indicated T1 perceived network drinking motives predicted T2 participant binge drinking frequency indirectly through T2 participant drinking motives for enhancement, coping-with-anxiety, and conformity, but not social or coping-with-depression, motives. Discussion: Results suggests drinking motives of those around emerging adults impact their own drinking motives, and indirectly, their own alcohol use. We found evidence of social influence, but not social selection. Conclusion: It appears that those around emerging adults have the capacity to influence their drinking behaviors and drinking motives.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Bartel
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - S B Sherry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - S H Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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15
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Graupensperger S, Jaffe AE, Hultgren BA, Rhew IC, Lee CM, Larimer ME. The dynamic nature of injunctive drinking norms and within-person associations with college student alcohol use. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2021; 35:867-876. [PMID: 34881916 PMCID: PMC8666800 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Perceptions of friends' approval of drinking behaviors (i.e., injunctive drinking norms) play a central role in shaping college students' alcohol use behaviors. However, we know little about the extent that students' perceptions of friends' approval fluctuate over time and whether there are within-person associations between these injunctive norms and alcohol use. To fill this knowledge gap, we estimated within-person variability in perceptions of friends' approval of alcohol use across a 12-month period and examined within-person associations between perceptions of friends' approval and 3 discrete drinking behaviors: number of weekly drinks, hazardous drinking behaviors, and peak estimated blood-alcohol content (peak-eBAC). Method: A sample of college students (N = 433, 54.82% female, Mage = 20.06) reported perceptions of friends' approval of alcohol use and indices of alcohol use behavior at 4 timepoints across a single year. Results: Descriptive estimates of within-person variability of perceived friends' approval revealed that these perceptions fluctuated considerably across the 4 timepoints. After accounting for between-person effects, longitudinal multilevel modeling revealed significant within-person associations between perceptions of friends' approval and (a) number of weekly drinks, (b) hazardous drinking behaviors, and (c) peak-eBAC levels. Students reported heavier alcohol use at timepoints when they perceived their friends as being more approving than usual. Conclusions: Alongside advancing theoretical understanding of social influences on students' alcohol use, the current findings hold important clinical implications for norms-based harm-reduction strategies. To optimize interventions, norms-based approaches may need to be adaptive over time (e.g., boosters) to map onto within-person fluctuations in perceived injunctive norms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Graupensperger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington; Seattle, WA
| | - Anna E. Jaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington; Seattle, WA
| | - Brittney A. Hultgren
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington; Seattle, WA
| | - Isaac C. Rhew
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington; Seattle, WA
| | - Christine M. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington; Seattle, WA
| | - Mary E. Larimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington; Seattle, WA
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16
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Whitney J. Lived Experiences of Students in Collegiate Recovery Programs at Three Large Public Universities. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2021.2005502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Whitney
- Penn State Collegiate Recovery Community, 106 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, State College, PA, USA
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17
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Jackson KM, Merrill JE, Stevens AK, Hayes KL, White HR. Changes in Alcohol Use and Drinking Context due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multimethod Study of College Student Drinkers. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:752-764. [PMID: 33755224 PMCID: PMC8076077 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background In spring 2020, U.S. universities closed campuses to limit the transmission of COVID‐19, resulting in an abrupt change in residence, reductions in social interaction, and in many cases, movement away from a heavy drinking culture. The present mixed‐methods study explores COVID‐19‐related changes in college student drinking. We characterize concomitant changes in social and location drinking contexts and describe reasons attributed to changes in drinking. Methods We conducted two studies of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on drinking behavior, drinking context, and reasons for both increases and decreases in consumption among college students. Study 1 (qualitative) included 18 heavy‐drinking college students (Mage = 20.2; 56% female) who completed semi‐structured interviews. Study 2 (quantitative) included 312 current and former college students who reported use of alcohol and cannabis (Mage = 21.3; 62% female) and who completed an online survey. Results In both studies, COVID‐19‐related increases in drinking frequency were accompanied by decreases in quantity, heavy drinking, and drunkenness. Yet, in Study 2, although heavier drinkers reduced their drinking, among non‐heavy drinkers several indices of consumption increased or remained stable . Both studies also provided evidence of reductions in social drinking with friends and roommates and at parties and increased drinking with family. Participants confirmed that their drinking decreased due to reduced social opportunities and/or settings, limited access to alcohol, and reasons related to health and self‐discipline. Increases were attributed to greater opportunity (more time) and boredom and to a lesser extent, lower perceived risk of harm and to cope with distress. Conclusion This study documents COVID‐19‐related changes in drinking among college student drinkers that were attributable to changes in context, particularly a shift away from heavy drinking with peers to lighter drinking with family. Given the continued threat of COVID‐19, it is imperative for researchers, administrators, and parents to understand these trends as they may have lasting effects on college student drinking behaviors.
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18
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Meisel MK, Treloar Padovano H, Miller MB, Clark MA, Barnett NP. Associations between social network characteristics and alcohol use alone or in combination with cannabis use in first-year college students. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2021; 35:650-658. [PMID: 33617273 PMCID: PMC8380257 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis is common among young adults, but little research has examined social ties and their relation to simultaneous use. This study investigated the social network characteristics of college students at two time points in the first year of college. Participants were categorized into those who used alcohol and cannabis, such that their effects overlap (simultaneous users), those who used both substances without overlapping effects (concurrent users), and those who used alcohol only. METHOD First-year college students (N = 1,294) completed online questionnaires during the fall and spring semester. At both assessments, participants nominated up to 10 important peers in their class, reported on peers' alcohol and cannabis use, and reported their own use of alcohol or cannabis with each peer. RESULTS Concurrent and simultaneous users reported a greater proportion of drinking buddies than those who used alcohol only. A greater proportion of friends who used alcohol or cannabis, but not the proportion who were "drinking buddies" or "cannabis buddies," was associated with increased odds of simultaneous use relative to concurrent use. Participants nominated network ties that paralleled their own substance use (e.g., the majority of simultaneous users' networks ties were also simultaneous users). CONCLUSION Having a larger percentage of friends who use cannabis and alcohol is associated with increased odds of using both substances at the same time, perhaps because it gives access to both substances at the same time. Interventions should account for amount of exposure to alcohol and cannabis use from network members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Melissa A Clark
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health
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19
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Cornwell B, Yan X, Carlin RF, Fu L, Wang J, Moon RY. Social network influences on new mothers' infant sleep adjustments. Soc Sci Med 2021; 269:113585. [PMID: 33333376 PMCID: PMC7794038 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite public awareness campaigns, some parents continue to engage in infant sleep practices that are considered risky by health experts, such as bedsharing or placing their infants on their stomachs. This study examines the role their social networks play in shaping parents' responsiveness to new information and/or suggestions about how they should place their infants for sleep, paying attention to the respective effects of health professionals and their close interpersonal ties. We collected data from a sample of 323 new mothers in Washington, D.C., who described their infant sleep practices and perceived personal social networks. We find evidence that mothers' social networks play a significant role in the likelihood that they adjust their infant sleep practices within the first few months of their infants' lives. Mothers are more likely to change sleep practices when health professionals and/or (lay) family members advise them to do so. The influence of network members is not always positive. For mothers who initially follow safe practices, their probability of change increases if their network members substantially espouse unsafe practices. Among mothers with initially unsafe practices, network members' level of support for safe sleep practices is not predictive of the likelihood of sleep practice change. Implications for potential interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuewen Yan
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca F Carlin
- Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children's National Health System, Washington, D.C., USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Linda Fu
- Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children's National Health System, Washington, D.C., USA; Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Jichuan Wang
- Center for Translational Science Children's National Health System, Washington, D.C., USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Rachel Y Moon
- Department of Pediatrics University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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20
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Kehayes ILL, Mackinnon SP, Sherry SB, Leonard KE, Stewart SH. The Influence of Drinking Buddies: A Longitudinal Investigation of Drinking Motivations and Drinking Behaviors in Emerging Adults. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:286-296. [PMID: 33356746 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1861631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Heavy alcohol consumption and frequent alcohol use are associated with many adverse social and physical consequences. The different motivations underlying why people drink predict different patterns of alcohol consumption. A drinking buddy (i.e. a friend with whom a person drinks alcohol) influences a person's drinking via social learning, leading to escalations in drinking over time. Purpose: Few studies have investigated drinking motives among peers and none have studied whether the drinking motives of a drinking buddy can influence another person's drinking behavior; we sought to fill that gap. Method: Same-sex drinking buddies (N = 174; 66.1% female) were assessed once monthly for four months using self-report questionnaires. Participants were on average 18.66 years-old (SD = 1.17). Results: Indistinguishable actor-partner interdependence models using multilevel path analysis were conducted, with each drinking motive predicting drinking frequency and quantity, respectively. There were significant actor effects for social, enhancement, conformity, and coping motives; moreover, the enhancement, social, and coping-anxiety motives of the drinking buddy influenced the individual's drinking frequency across the four months of the study. Conversely, only the enhancement motives of the buddy predicted drinking quantity in the individual when averaged across time. Sex was not a significant moderator of these effects. Importance: When targeting risky drinking behavior in a therapeutic context, assessing and addressing a person's reasons for drinking, as well as their drinking buddy's reasons for drinking, may reduce the risk of escalations in either friend's drinking frequency over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy-Lee L Kehayes
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sean P Mackinnon
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Simon B Sherry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kenneth E Leonard
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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21
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White HR, Stevens AK, Hayes K, Jackson KM. Changes in Alcohol Consumption Among College Students Due to COVID-19: Effects of Campus Closure and Residential Change. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020. [PMID: 33308400 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2020.81.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is well established that college students increase their drinking when they leave home. This study examined changes in drinking as a result of campus closure due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), focusing on the influence of living situation. METHOD A sample of 312 college students (mean age = 21.2 years; 62% female; 67% White) responded to an online survey regarding their drinking behavior before and after university closures because of COVID-19. Those participants who lived with peers pre-closure and moved home to live with parents post-closure were compared with those who remained living with peers or remained living with parents in terms of changes in frequency and quantity of drinking. RESULTS A comparison of pre- to post-closure drinking indicated significant decreases in the typical number of drinks per week (from 11.5 to 9.9) and maximum drinks per day (from 4.9 to 3.3) and a slight increase in typical drinking days per week (from 3 to 3.2). Patterns of change significantly varied across groups. Those who moved from peers to parents showed significantly greater reductions in drinking days (from 3.1 to 2.7), number of drinks per week (from 13.9 to 8.5), and maximum drinks in one day (from 5.4 to 2.9) than those who remained living with peers or with parents. In contrast, the latter two groups significantly increased their frequency (from 3.0 to 3.7 days and 2.0 to 3.3 days, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Participants reduced their quantity of drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning to live with parents during emerging adulthood may be protective for heavy drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene R White
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Department of Sociology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Angela K Stevens
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kerri Hayes
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kristina M Jackson
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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22
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Bolinski R, Ellis K, Zahnd WE, Walters S, McLuckie C, Schneider J, Rodriguez C, Ezell J, Friedman SR, Pho M, Jenkins WD. Social norms associated with nonmedical opioid use in rural communities: a systematic review. Transl Behav Med 2020; 9:1224-1232. [PMID: 31504988 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prescription and illicit opioids were involved in over 42,000 deaths in the USA in 2016. Rural counties experience higher rates of opioid prescribing and, although opioid prescribing rates have fallen in recent years, the rate of decline is less in rural areas. The sociocultural context of rural life may impact opioid misuse in important ways; however, little research directly explores this possibility. We performed a systematic review of English-language manuscripts in U.S. context to determine what is known about social networks, norms, and stigma in relation to rural opioid misuse. Of nine articles identified and reviewed, two had only primary findings associated with social networks, norms, or stigma, five had only secondary findings, and two had both primary and secondary findings. The normalization of prescription opioid use along with environmental factors likely impacts the prevalence of opioid misuse in rural communities. Discordant findings exist regarding the extent to which social networks facilitate or protect against nonmedical opioid use. Lastly, isolation, lack of treatment options, social norms, and stigma create barriers to substance use treatment for rural residents. Although we were able to identify important themes across multiple studies, discordant findings exist and, in some cases, findings rely on single studies. The paucity of research examining the role of social networks, norms, and stigma in relation to nonmedical opioid use in rural communities is evident in this review. Scholarship aimed at exploring the relationship and impact of rurality on nonmedical opioid use is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bolinski
- Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Kaitlin Ellis
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Suzan Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Colleen McLuckie
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Medicine and Epidemiology, Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Howard Brown Health, Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christofer Rodriguez
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Jerel Ezell
- Department of Sociology and Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Research and Development Institutes, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mai Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
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23
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Patterson MS, Gagnon LR, Nelon JL, Spadine MN. A pilot study using egocentric network analysis to assess holistic health benefits among a sample of university employees involved in a worksite fitness program. Work 2020; 66:63-72. [PMID: 32417814 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working adults in the United States often do not engage in enough exercise to experience health benefits. With workplaces becoming increasingly sedentary, more emphasis is placed on providing exercise opportunities at work. Evidence suggests participating in exercise during the workday and socially connecting with others while exercising, can lead to positive health outcomes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine whether mental and social health factors were related to increased exercise among employees participating in a worksite group exercise program. METHODS An egocentric network analysis was conducted on a sample of university employees (n = 57). RESULTS Regression analyses (Adjusted R2 = 0.501, F = 4.686, p = 0.001) suggest that depression (β= -0.548, p = 0.041), stress (β= 0.530, p = 0.016), nominating alters who exercise similarly (β= 0.326, t = 2.111, p = 0.045), average exercise scores across egonetworks (β= -0.330, t = -2.135, p = 0.043), and nominating other group exercise members (β= 0.579, t = 3.721, p = 0.001) were related to physical activity scores. CONCLUSION These findings provide empirical support for using group exercise environments as a mechanism for increasing exercise among employees. Specifically, fostering social connections between employees involved in the program can lead to greater physical activity scores. Future research should confirm these results in larger samples, along with determining more causal relationships with longitudinal and experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Patterson
- Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Leah R Gagnon
- Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Pittsburg, KS, USA
| | - Jordan L Nelon
- Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mandy N Spadine
- Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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24
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Bonar EE, Schneeberger DM, Bourque C, Bauermeister JA, Young SD, Blow FC, Cunningham RM, Bohnert AS, Zimmerman MA, Walton MA. Social Media Interventions for Risky Drinking Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e16688. [PMID: 32401225 PMCID: PMC7254293 DOI: 10.2196/16688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intervention efforts to date, the prevalence of risky drinking among adolescents and emerging adults remains high, increasing the risk for health consequences and the development of alcohol use disorders. Peer influences are particularly salient among this age group, including via social media. Thus, the development of efficacious early interventions for youth, delivered with a broad reach via trained peers on social media, could have an important role in addressing risky drinking and concomitant drug use. OBJECTIVE This paper describes the protocol of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of a social media intervention among adolescents and emerging adults who meet the criteria for risky drinking (using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption [AUDIT-C]), delivered with and without financial incentives for participation, compared with an attention placebo control condition (ie, entertaining social media content), on alcohol consumption and consequences. METHODS This RCT involved recruiting 955 youths (aged 16-24 years) via advertisements on Facebook and Instagram to self-administer a brief web-based screening survey. Those screening positive for past 3-month risky drinking (AUDIT-C positive: ages 16-17 years: ≥3 females and ≥4 males; and ages 18-24 years: ≥4 females and ≥5 males) were eligible for the RCT. After providing consent (a waiver of parental consent was obtained for minors), participants completed a web-based baseline survey and several verification procedures, including a selfie photo matched to Facebook profile photos. Participants were then randomized to join invitation-only secret Facebook groups, which were not searchable or viewable by parents, friends, or anyone not recruited by the study. The 3 conditions were social media intervention with incentives, social media intervention without incentives (SMI), and attention placebo control. Each condition lasted 8 weeks and consisted of bachelor's-level and master's-level therapist electronic coaches posting relevant content and responding to participants' posts in a manner consistent with Motivational Interviewing. Participants in the control condition and SMI condition did not receive payments but were blind to condition assignment between these 2 conditions. Follow-ups are ongoing and occur at 3, 6, and 12 months poststart of the groups. RESULTS We enrolled 955 participants over 10 waves of recruitment who screened positive for risky drinking into the RCT. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study will provide the critical next step in delivering early alcohol interventions to the youth, capitalizing on social media platforms, which could have significant public health impact by altering alcohol use trajectories of adolescents and emerging adults engaged in risky drinking. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02809586; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02809586. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/16688.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Bonar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Diane M Schneeberger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Carrie Bourque
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Frederic C Blow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca M Cunningham
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Amy Sb Bohnert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Marc A Zimmerman
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Maureen A Walton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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25
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Anderson Goodell EM, Johnson RM, Latkin CA, Homish DL, Homish GG. Risk and protective effects of social networks on alcohol use problems among Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers. Addict Behav 2020; 103:106244. [PMID: 31838442 PMCID: PMC7045418 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military personnel engage in alcohol-related behaviors for a variety of reasons, some of which may be socially-motivated. Although civilian-based research has established that peers' drinking behaviors are correlated with individuals' own drinking behaviors, military work has not yet examined the influence of social network characteristics on soldier drinking behaviors. This study describes characteristics of soldiers' social networks in association with soldier alcohol use problems. METHODS This study includes data on 353 U.S. Reserve and National Guard (R/NG) soldiers and their 2154 past-year social ties. Descriptive analyses examined social tie characteristics (e.g., military affiliation, substance misuse, and drinking influence). Negative binomial regression models examined relationships between social network characteristics and soldier alcohol use problems. RESULTS On average, 14% of a R/NG soldier's social network was comprised of military-affiliated ties. Further, an average of 14% of ties in a soldier's network were considered drinking buddies, and 8% of ties were heavy-drinkers. More drinking buddies and heavy-drinking ties in a soldier's social network and greater average number of past-month days drinking with ties were associated with increases in soldier alcohol problems. For deployed soldiers, larger military-affiliated social networks were protective against alcohol problems. CONCLUSIONS Drinking-related social network characteristics are associated with increased alcohol problems among soldiers, while military-affiliated ties are protective specifically for deployed soldiers. Interventions to reduce alcohol use problems may focus on enhancing social connections between R/NG soldiers and providing opportunities to connect deployed R/NG soldiers with one another during and after reintegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Anderson Goodell
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Renee M Johnson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - D Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Gregory G Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States; Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Bartel SJ, Sherry SB, Smith MM, Glowacka M, Speth TA, Stewart SH. Social influences on binge drinking in emerging adults: Which social network members matter most? Subst Abus 2020; 41:480-484. [PMID: 31951791 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1709604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge drinking peaks in emerging adulthood and is associated with a myriad of negative consequences. Research indicates that social network members have a significant influence on binge drinking. In particular, theory suggests that drinking habits of romantic partners and peers have a stronger influence on emerging-adult binge drinking than do drinking habits of siblings and parents. We investigated the relative influences of siblings, parents, romantic partners, and peers on emerging adults' binge drinking using a multisource design and a robust measure of binge drinking. We hypothesized peer and romantic partner binge drinking would more strongly predict emerging-adult (egos) binge drinking than would parent and sibling binge drinking. Methods: We recruited 321 participants (egos) aged 17-25 years, alongside 882 members of their social network (alters). Egos and alters completed self-report measures of binge drinking (frequency, quantity, and self-perception). Results: Structural equation modeling revealed that the direct positive effect from romantic partner binge drinking to ego binge drinking was significant. In contrast, the direct effects from peer, parent, and sibling binge drinking to ego binge drinking were nonsignificant. Conclusion: In emerging adulthood, romantic partners appear to have the strongest association with ego binge drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Bartel
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Simon B Sherry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Moon RY, Carlin RF, Cornwell B, Mathews A, Oden RP, Cheng YI, Fu LY, Wang J. Implications of Mothers' Social Networks for Risky Infant Sleep Practices. J Pediatr 2019; 212:151-158.e2. [PMID: 31201032 PMCID: PMC6707860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the structure of networks in a cohort of mothers and to analyze associations of social network characteristics and norms with infant sleep practices. STUDY DESIGN We recruited a prospective cohort of mothers with infants <6 months of age from January 2015 to December 2016. Mothers completed a survey about their personal social networks and infant care practices. Latent class analysis identified unobserved network types. Binary statistics and path analysis were performed. RESULTS Overall, 402 mothers were surveyed. Latent class analysis identified 2 a priori unknown social network types: "exclusive" (restricted) and "expansive." Mothers who were black, younger, unmarried, less educated, and of lower socioeconomic status were more likely to have exclusive networks than expansive networks. Mothers with exclusive networks were more likely to be exposed to the norm of soft bedding (P = .002). Exposure to norms of non-supine infant placement, bedsharing, and soft bedding use within one's network was associated with engaging in these practices (P < .0001 for each). First-time mothers were more likely to pay attention to a non-supine norm and place infants in a non-supine position. Black mothers and first-time mothers were more likely to pay attention to the norm and use soft bedding. CONCLUSIONS Both the type of networks mothers have and the norms regarding infant sleep practices that circulate within these networks differed by race. Network norms were strongly associated with infant sleep practices and may partially explain the racial disparity therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Y. Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia. Charlottesville, VA
| | - Rebecca F. Carlin
- Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | | | - Anita Mathews
- Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Rosalind P. Oden
- Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Yao I. Cheng
- Center for Translational Science, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Linda Y. Fu
- Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Jichuan Wang
- Center for Translational Science, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington DC
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Neighbors C, Krieger H, Rodriguez LM, Rinker DV, Lembo JM. Social identity and drinking: Dissecting social networks and implications for novel interventions. J Prev Interv Community 2019; 47:259-273. [PMID: 31116673 DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2019.1603676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Drinking among young adults has been consistently associated with perceptions of prevalence and approval of varying levels of drinking among broadly defined similar others (e.g. other female college students). Few works have considered influences in terms of actual group members comprising individuals' social networks. We proposed two overlapping groups would differentially influence drinking (important others; drinking buddies; and members of both groups). Furthermore, we expected that specific individuals (e.g. romantic partners and family members) would be associated with less drinking. Data were provided from 372 drinkers who logged daily drinking and the presence of network members on MTurk. Results indicated consistent support for the number of network members present as a predictor of the number of drinks consumed per drinking day, regardless of member characteristics. Only important others who were not drinkers and romantic partners failed to demonstrate unique positive associations with drinks per drinking day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton Neighbors
- a Department of Psychology , University of Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Heather Krieger
- a Department of Psychology , University of Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Lindsey M Rodriguez
- b Department of Psychology , University of South Florida , St. Petersburg , USA
| | - Dipali V Rinker
- a Department of Psychology , University of Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Jordanna M Lembo
- a Department of Psychology , University of Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
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Not getting high with a little help from your friends: Social versus drug network correlates of marijuana use among YMSM. Addict Behav 2019; 92:180-185. [PMID: 30641336 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Substantial evidence has documented the importance of social connections in shaping health and drug use behaviors among adolescents and young adults. The current study extends previous research into the associations between network characteristics and drug use behavior among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) by 1) examining multiple network characteristics, 2) simultaneously assessing multiple network types (i.e., social and drug use), and 3) examining change in network characteristics and drug use behavior over time. Data for the current study comes from RADAR, a longitudinal cohort study of YMSM. Latent growth curve models examined the change in frequency of marijuana use across four observations and individual and network correlates of this change including: demographics, drug network size, drug network density, social network size, and social network density. Baseline frequency of marijuana use was positively associated with drug network size and density, while it was inversely related to social network size and density. In addition, increasing frequency of marijuana use was associated with increases in drug network size and density, while it was associated with decreases in social network size. These findings highlight the complexity of multiple network types (e.g., drug and social) and network structures (e.g., size and density) in understanding drug use behavior among YMSM. Furthermore, as changes in drug and social networks may be indicative of changes in marijuana use, peer relationships may be especially important in understanding an individual's trajectories of marijuana use.
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Laghi F, Bianchi D, Pompili S, Lonigro A, Baiocco R. Cognitive and affective empathy in binge drinking adolescents: Does empathy moderate the effect of self-efficacy in resisting peer pressure to drink? Addict Behav 2019; 89:229-235. [PMID: 30336444 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Binge drinking during adolescence is influenced by peer pressure and group norms as risk factors. Conversely, drinking refusal self-efficacy is a protective factor. Thus, adolescents with impaired social skills could be more vulnerable to binge drinking. However, there is still little research on impaired social abilities, such as low empathy, in adolescent binge drinkers. This study aimed to investigate the moderating roles of empathic concerns and perspective-taking in the relationship between self-efficacy in resisting peer pressure to drink (SRPPD) and binge drinking. Participants were 188 Italian adolescents (Mage = 16.93, SDage = 0.76; age-range: 15-19). Self-report instruments were administered. Binge drinking was evaluated with an open response item according to the clinical definition of symptoms; SRPPD was assessed with an item from the Perceived Self-Efficacy scale; empathic concerns and perspective-taking were measured with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index scale. A moderation regression analysis was run. Results showed that binge drinking is positively predicted by age, and negatively predicted by SRPPD and empathic concerns. Only perspective-taking proved to be a moderator in the relationship between SRPPD and binge drinking. In the presence of low perspective-taking, adolescents with low SRPPD reported more binge drinking than adolescents with high SRPPD. Conversely, for adolescents with high levels of perspective-taking, low SRPPD did not predict binge drinking. Our results shed light on patterns of cognitive and affective empathy in binge drinking adolescents, providing relevant implications for research and prevention for at-risk teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Dora Bianchi
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pompili
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Lonigro
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Barnett NP, Clark MA, Kenney SR, DiGuiseppi G, Meisel MK, Balestrieri S, Ott MQ, Light J. Enrollment and assessment of a first-year college class social network for a controlled trial of the indirect effect of a brief motivational intervention. Contemp Clin Trials 2019; 76:16-23. [PMID: 30391343 PMCID: PMC6402826 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Heavy drinking and its consequences among college students represent a serious public health problem, and peer social networks are a robust predictor of drinking-related risk behaviors. In a recent trial, we administered a Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI) to a small number of first-year college students to assess the indirect effects of the intervention on peers not receiving the intervention. OBJECTIVES To present the research design, describe the methods used to successfully enroll a high proportion of a first-year college class network, and document participant characteristics. METHODS Prior to study enrollment, we consulted with a student advisory group and campus stakeholders to aid in the development of study-related procedures. Enrollment and baseline procedures were completed in the first six weeks of the academic semester. Surveys assessed demographics, alcohol use, and social network ties. Individuals were assigned to a BMI or control group according to their dormitory location. RESULTS The majority of incoming first-year students (1342/1660; 81%) were enrolled (55% female, 52% nonwhite, mean age 18.6 [SD = 0.51]). Differences between the intervention and control group were noted in alcohol use, but were in large part a function of there being more substance-free dormitory floors in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The current study was successful in enrolling a large proportion of a first-year college class and can serve as a template for social network investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy P Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Melissa A Clark
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Shannon R Kenney
- Behavioral Medicine Department, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Graham DiGuiseppi
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Matthew K Meisel
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Sara Balestrieri
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Miles Q Ott
- Program in Statistical and Data Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063, United States
| | - John Light
- Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, OR, 97403, United States
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Patterson MS, Goodson P. Social network analysis for assessing college-aged adults' health: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2019; 67:59-67. [PMID: 29652600 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1462820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social network analysis (SNA) is a useful, emerging method for studying health. College students are especially prone to social influence when it comes to health. This review aimed to identify network variables related to college student health and determine how SNA was used in the literature. PARTICIPANTS A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted in October 2015. METHODS Studies employing egocentric or whole network analysis to study college student health were included. We used Garrard's Matrix Method to extract data from reviewed articles (n = 15). RESULTS Drinking, smoking, aggression, homesickness, and stress were predicted by network variables in the reviewed literature. Methodological inconsistencies concerning boundary specification, data collection, nomination limits, and statistical analyses were revealed across studies. CONCLUSIONS Results show the consistent relationship between network variables and college health outcomes, justifying further use of SNA to research college health. Suggestions and considerations for future use of SNA are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Patterson
- a Texas A & M University, Baylor University , College Station , Texas , USA
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Carey KB, Walsh JL, Merrill JE, Lust SA, Reid AE, Scott-Sheldon LAJ, Kalichman SC, Carey MP. Using e-mail boosters to maintain change after brief alcohol interventions for mandated college students: A randomized controlled trial. J Consult Clin Psychol 2018; 86:787-798. [PMID: 30138017 PMCID: PMC6110091 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brief motivational interventions (BMIs) reduce drinking in the short term, but these initial effects often decay. We tested the hypothesis that theory-based e-mail boosters would promote maintenance of change after a BMI. METHOD Participants were students (N = 568; 72% male) who violated campus alcohol policy and were mandated to participate in an alcohol-risk-reduction program. Participants provided baseline data, received a BMI, and then completed a 1-month post-BMI survey. Next, they were randomized to receive 12 booster e-mails that contained either (a) alcohol norms or (b) structurally equivalent general health information (control). Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 12 months. RESULTS As expected, we observed significant reductions in both consumption and consequences after the BMI (ps < .01), and groups were equivalent at baseline and at 1-month post-BMI, prior to randomization (ps > .05). Latent growth curve models revealed no condition effects on changes in the latent consumption variable from 1- to 12-month follow-ups (b = .01, SE = .01, p > .05). Unexpectedly, a main effect of the condition emerged for self-reported consequences (b = .03, SE = .01, p = .01); we observed more consequences after boosters containing alcohol norms than general health information. Outcomes were not moderated by sex, consumption at baseline or 1 month, or e-mail exposure, and there was no mediation by descriptive norms, injunctive norms, or peer communication. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to predictions, e-mail boosters with corrective norms content did not improve outcomes after a BMI. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate B. Carey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health
| | | | - Jennifer E. Merrill
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Sarah A. Lust
- Program in Psychology, Maryville University (now at Department of Psychology, Auburn University)
| | - Allecia E. Reid
- Department of Psychology, Colby College (now at Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst)
| | | | | | - Michael P. Carey
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital
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Quiroga E, Pinto-Carral A, García I, Molina AJ, Fernández-Villa T, Martín V. The Influence of Adolescents' Social Networks on Alcohol Consumption: A Descriptive Study of Spanish Adolescents Using Social Network Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15091795. [PMID: 30134531 PMCID: PMC6164789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In adolescence, friends are important due to their influence on the acquisition of habits such as alcohol consumption. However, there is a lack of studies that describe the structural context of adolescents, which would be useful to implement prevention strategies. Therefore, our research question was how adolescent friendship networks influence alcohol consumption. Our goal was to determine the structural profile of adolescent at-risk alcohol users and their relational context in the classroom. We designed a descriptive cross-sectional study based on social network analysis to analyze structural patterns. We recruited 195 students. Social-network and alcohol-consumption variables were analyzed using the UCINET and STATA programs. Some 86.67% of participants had consumed alcohol at some time in their lives and the prevalence of at-risk alcohol use was higher in females (50.48% vs. 49.52%; OR: 1.84; CI 95%: 0.99⁻3.43%; p = 0.036). The lower the intensity of friendship, the more contacts adolescent at-risk alcohol users had within the network, and the easier it was for them to access their peers. Consequently, we conclude that the structure of a class is a key factor that merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enedina Quiroga
- SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, Campus of Ponferrada s/n, Ponferrada, 24401 León, Spain.
| | - Arrate Pinto-Carral
- SALBIS Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of León, Campus of Ponferrada s/n, Ponferrada, 24401 León, Spain.
| | - Isaías García
- SECOMUCI Research Groups, Escuela de Ingenierías Industrial e Informática, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, C.P. 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Antonio J Molina
- GIIGAS Research Group, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, C.P. 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- GIIGAS Research Group, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, C.P. 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Vicente Martín
- GIIGAS Research Group, Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Ciber de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERSP), University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, C.P. 24071 León, Spain.
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Pompili S, Laghi F. Drunkorexia: Disordered eating behaviors and risky alcohol consumption among adolescents. J Health Psychol 2018; 25:2222-2232. [PMID: 30073869 DOI: 10.1177/1359105318791229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The first goal of our study was to examine the differences on disordered eating and alcohol consumption among heavy, occasional restrictors, and non-restrictors in a sample of 823 adolescents. The second goal was to analyze the relation of drunkorexia between unhealthy eating and alcohol use. Our results showed that heavy restrictors reported more eating disorder symptoms and alcohol use than occasional restrictors and non-restrictors. Similarly, occasional restrictors showed more unhealthy eating and drinking behaviors than non-restrictors. Both disordered eating and alcohol use were significant predictors of drunkorexia, supporting the argument of drunkorexia as an overlapping of dysfunctional eating and drinking patterns.
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An event- and network-level analysis of college students' maximum drinking day. Addict Behav 2018; 79:189-194. [PMID: 29291510 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy episodic drinking is common among college students and remains a serious public health issue. Previous event-level research among college students has examined behaviors and individual-level characteristics that drive consumption and related consequences but often ignores the social network of people with whom these heavy drinking episodes occur. The main aim of the current study was to investigate the network of social connections between drinkers on their heaviest drinking occasions. METHODS Sociocentric network methods were used to collect information from individuals in the first-year class (N=1342) at one university. Past-month drinkers (N=972) reported on the characteristics of their heaviest drinking occasion in the past month and indicated who else among their network connections was present during this occasion. RESULTS Average max drinking day indegree, or the total number of times a participant was nominated as being present on another students' heaviest drinking occasion, was 2.50 (SD=2.05). Network autocorrelation models indicated that max drinking day indegree (e.g., popularity on heaviest drinking occassions) and peers' number of drinks on their own maximum drinking occasions were significantly associated with participant maximum number of drinks, after controlling for demographic variables, pregaming, and global network indegree (e.g., popularity in the entire first-year class). CONCLUSION Being present at other peers' heaviest drinking occasions is associated with greater drinking quantities on one's own heaviest drinking occasion. These findings suggest the potential for interventions that target peer influences within close social networks of drinkers.
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Quiroga E, García I, Benítez-Andrades JA, Benavides C, Martín V, Marqués-Sánchez P. A Qualitative Study of Secondary School Teachers' Perception of Social Network Analysis Metrics in the Context of Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14121531. [PMID: 29292718 PMCID: PMC5750949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a transitional period during which a number of changes occur. Social relationships established during this period influence adolescent behaviour and affect academic performance or alcohol consumption habits, among other issues. Teachers are very important actors in observing and guiding the evolution of their students, and should therefore have the appropriate knowledge and tools to gain insight into the complex social relationships that exist in their classes. The use of social network analysis (SNA) techniques may be helpful in order to study and monitor the evolution of these social networks. This study tries to understand how teachers perceive SNA metrics from an intuitive point of view. Using this information, useful tools could be created that allow teachers to use SNA techniques to improve their understanding of student relationships. A number of interviews with different teachers were held in secondary schools in Spain, allowing SNA concepts to be related to the everyday terms used by the teachers to characterize their students. Results from the study have an impact on questionnaire design for gathering data from students in order to perform an SNA analysis and on the design of software applications that can help teachers to understand the results of this analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enedina Quiroga
- SALBIS Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de León, Campus de Ponferrada Avda/Astorga s/n, C.P. 24402 Ponferrada (León), Spain.
| | - Isaías García
- SALBIS and SECOMUCI Research Groups, Escuela de Ingenierías Industrial e Informática, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, C.P. 24071 León, Spain.
| | - José Alberto Benítez-Andrades
- SALBIS Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de León, Campus de Ponferrada Avda/Astorga s/n, C.P. 24402 Ponferrada (León), Spain.
| | - Carmen Benavides
- SALBIS Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de León, Campus de Ponferrada Avda/Astorga s/n, C.P. 24402 Ponferrada (León), Spain.
| | - Vicente Martín
- GIGAS Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, C.P. 24071 León, Spain.
| | - Pilar Marqués-Sánchez
- SALBIS Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de León, Campus de Ponferrada Avda/Astorga s/n, C.P. 24402 Ponferrada (León), Spain.
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Lau-Barraco C, Linden-Carmichael AN, Hequembourg A, Pribesh S. Motivations and Consequences of Alcohol Use among Heavy Drinking Nonstudent Emerging Adults. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2017; 32:667-695. [PMID: 29151670 DOI: 10.1177/0743558416630812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that nonstudent emerging adults may be at elevated risk for alcohol-related problems in adulthood. The present study utilized a qualitative approach to broaden our understanding of the drinking-related perceptions and experiences of heavy drinking nonstudents, with the ultimate goal of generating meaningful knowledge that could aid intervention planning. Research aims were to identify nonstudent (1) drinking motivations and (2) drinking consequences. Eleven focus groups were conducted (n = 64 participants). Data analytic techniques were used to code transcripts and generate themes emerging from the group data. Analyses revealed three main themes emerged regarding nonstudent reasons for drinking (i.e., emotional, social, enhanced experiences). Four prominent themes were identified for drinking consequences (i.e., physical health, psychological health, risk-taking, life functioning). Our findings underscore several considerations related to intervening with this at-risk and understudied population.
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Meisel MK, Barnett NP. Protective and Risky Social Network Factors for Drinking During the Transition From High School to College. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2017; 78:922-929. [PMID: 29087828 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2017.78.922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The transition from high school to college is a unique developmental period to examine the relationship between social networks and alcohol use, because during this transition, students enter new environments and alcohol use becomes more pervasive. The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which personal social networks change during this transition and to examine how changes in the composition of networks are related to alcohol use. METHOD Participants (N = 374, 57.8% female) reported on their alcohol use and provided information about individuals in their social network before and immediately after their first year of college. These network members were matched across the two observations and were classified as either carryover (i.e., named at both assessments), dropped (i.e., named at only the first assessment), or added (i.e., named at only the second assessment). RESULTS We found robust turnover, such that only 22% of network members were retained from the first observation to the second. Furthermore, heavy drinking in high school was associated with retaining more friends during the transition to college, but once in college, adding more heavy drinkers as friends was associated with the greatest alcohol risk. CONCLUSIONS These findings show how changes in the composition of the social network influence an individual's alcohol use during the transition to college. Results from this study could be used to improve interventions that address the composition of the social network as a whole, as well as the characteristics of each individual in their social network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Meisel
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Nancy P Barnett
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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Exploring the social influence of multichannel access in an online health community. J Assoc Inf Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/asi.23928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Child S, Kaczynski AT, Moore S. Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines: The Role of Personal Networks Among Residents of Low-Income Communities. Am J Prev Med 2017; 53:385-391. [PMID: 28601404 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite known benefits of regular physical activity (PA), residents of low-income communities have disproportionately high rates of physical inactivity. Mounting evidence suggests that social network characteristics may be associated with health behaviors, including PA. The purpose of the current study was to examine associations between egocentric network characteristics and meeting PA guidelines among residents of low-income and predominantly African-American communities. METHODS Data from the Greenville Healthy Neighborhoods Project (2014), a cross-sectional study, examined social network characteristics, including the PA behavior of social ties, and whether participants met PA guidelines (150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise). Respondent-driven sampling (non-random) was utilized to recruit participants (n=430) within eight low-income communities. Logistic regression analyses, performed in 2016, included robust sandwich estimation to account for clustering (non-independence) of observations. RESULTS Participants were predominantly older (M=54.4 years, SD=15.1 years), African American (88.0%), and female (70.7%). More than one third of participants had an annual household income <$15,000 (41.6%) or reported meeting the current aerobic PA guidelines (45.8%). Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, greater network extensity (based on the occupation of ego's network ties; OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.03, 1.20, p=0.02) and a higher percentage of physically active network members (OR=1.97, 95% CI=1.02, 3.82, p=0.04) were associated with higher odds of meeting PA guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Social network characteristics are associated with individual PA behavior among residents of low-income communities. Interventions to increase PA among low-income and predominantly African-American communities should leverage personal networks, including the implementation of walking groups or buddy systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Child
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California.
| | - Andrew T Kaczynski
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina; Prevention Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Spencer Moore
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina; School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Schnuerch R, Pfattheicher S. Motivated malleability: Frontal cortical asymmetry predicts the susceptibility to social influence. Soc Neurosci 2017; 13:480-494. [PMID: 28699831 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2017.1355333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Humans, just as many other animals, regulate their behavior in terms of approaching stimuli associated with pleasure and avoiding stimuli linked to harm. A person's current and chronic motivational direction - that is, approach versus avoidance orientation - is reliably reflected in the asymmetry of frontal cortical low-frequency oscillations. Using resting electroencephalography (EEG), we show that frontal asymmetry is predictive of the tendency to yield to social influence: Stronger right- than left-side frontolateral activation during a resting-state session prior to the experiment was robustly associated with a stronger inclination to adopt a peer group's judgments during perceptual decision-making (Study 1). We posit that this reflects the role of a person's chronic avoidance orientation in socially adjusted behavior. This claim was strongly supported by additional survey investigations (Studies 2a, 2b, 2c), all of which consistently revealed that trait avoidance was positively linked to the susceptibility to social influence. The present contribution thus stresses the relevance of chronic avoidance orientation in social conformity, refining (yet not contradicting) the longstanding view that socially influenced behavior is motivated by approach-related goals. Moreover, our findings valuably underscore and extend our knowledge on the association between frontal cortical asymmetry and a variety of psychological variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Schnuerch
- a Department of Psychology , University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
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Bachrach RL, Read JP. Peer alcohol behavior moderates within-level associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and alcohol use in college students. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2017; 31:576-588. [PMID: 28703614 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Self-medication theory (SMT) posits that individuals exposed to trauma and resulting posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSD) are at risk for heavy drinking and associated negative consequences. Close peer alcohol use is also a powerful predictor of alcohol involvement in college, particularly influencing those with greater negative affect. As individuals with PTSD may rely on peers for support, peer drinking behaviors are possibly putting them at further risk for greater alcohol use and resulting consequences. To test self-medication processes, the present study examined the relationship between weekday PTSD symptoms, weekend alcohol behavior, and the influence of both emotionally supportive peer and other friend drinking behavior by investigating: (a) whether weekday PTSD symptoms predicted subsequent weekend alcohol use and consequences; and (b) whether the relationship between weekday PTSD symptoms and weekend alcohol behavior was moderated by various drinking behaviors of one's peers. Trauma-exposed heavy-drinking college students (N = 128) completed a baseline assessment and 30 daily, Web-based assessments of alcohol use and related consequences, PTSD symptoms, and peer alcohol behavior. Results directly testing SMT were not supported. However, friend alcohol behavior moderated the relationship between weekday PTSD and weekend alcohol behavior. Findings highlight the importance of peer drinking as both a buffer and risk factor for problematic drinking and provide useful information for interventions aimed at high-risk drinkers. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Bachrach
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | - Jennifer P Read
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
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Giese H, Stok FM, Renner B. The Role of Friendship Reciprocity in University Freshmen's Alcohol Consumption. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2017; 9:228-241. [PMID: 28547919 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The similarity of friends in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption is explored. METHOD During their first semester, 57 psychology freshmen indicated weekly drinking frequency and quantity and nominated the three peers of this group they liked most. These nominations were then used to derive the weekly alcohol consumption of friends that either did or did not reciprocate a nomination. RESULTS Multilevel modeling of weekly variations showed that individuals' drinking frequency was similar to peers who reciprocated a friendship (b = 0.15, p = .001), but not to non-reciprocating peers (b = -0.01, p = .720). In contrast, weekly variation in quantity of individual students' drinking was similar to both reciprocating (b = 0.11, p = .018) and non-reciprocating peers' drinking (b = 0.10, p = .014). Yet across all weeks, quantity tended only to be similar to non-reciprocating peers (b = 0.49, p = .020). CONCLUSIONS Freshmen might spend drinking time with peers who reciprocate a friendship, but are similar regarding the quantity of drinks consumed to all people they find interesting. Thus, alcohol consumption is used strategically for social purposes. This social purpose should also be acknowledged in alcohol-reduction interventions.
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Linton SL, Haley DF, Hunter-Jones J, Ross Z, Cooper HLF. Social causation and neighborhood selection underlie associations of neighborhood factors with illicit drug-using social networks and illicit drug use among adults relocated from public housing. Soc Sci Med 2017; 185:81-90. [PMID: 28554162 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Theories of social causation and social influence, which posit that neighborhood and social network characteristics are distal causes of substance use, are frequently used to interpret associations among neighborhood characteristics, social network characteristics and substance use. These associations are also hypothesized to result from selection processes, in which substance use determines where people live and who they interact with. The potential for these competing selection mechanisms to co-occur has been underexplored among adults. This study utilizes path analysis to determine the paths that relate census tract characteristics (e.g., economic deprivation), social network characteristics (i.e., having ≥ 1 illicit drug-using network member) and illicit drug use, among 172 African American adults relocated from public housing in Atlanta, Georgia and followed from 2009 to 2014 (7 waves). Individual and network-level characteristics were captured using surveys. Census tract characteristics were created using administrative data. Waves 1 (pre-relocation), 2 (1st wave post-relocation), and 7 were analyzed. When controlling for individual-level sociodemographic factors, residing in census tracts with prior economic disadvantage was significantly associated with illicit drug use at wave 1; illicit drug use at wave 1 was significantly associated with living in economically-disadvantaged census tracts at wave 2; and violent crime at wave 2 was associated with illicit drug-using social network members at wave 7. Findings from this study support theories that describe social causation and neighborhood selection processes as explaining relationships of neighborhood characteristics with illicit drug use and illicit drug-using social networks. Policies that improve local economic and social conditions of neighborhoods may discourage substance use. Future studies should further identify the barriers that prevent substance users from obtaining housing in less disadvantaged neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabriya L Linton
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Danielle F Haley
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 130 Mason Farm Rd CB#7030, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Josalin Hunter-Jones
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zev Ross
- ZevRoss Spatial Analysis, 120 N Aurora Street, Suite 3A, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Voloshyna DM, Bonar EE, Cunningham RM, Ilgen MA, Blow FC, Walton MA. Blackouts among male and female youth seeking emergency department care. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2016; 44:129-139. [PMID: 28032801 PMCID: PMC6186526 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2016.1265975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related blackouts are a common consequence of heavy drinking, and these blackouts pose risk for injury and other adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence and correlates of blackouts among underage drinkers. METHODS Youth (ages 14-20) presenting to a suburban Emergency Department (ED) completed screening surveys. Among those reporting past-year alcohol consumption, we examined past 3-month blackouts in relation to: background characteristics (e.g., demographics, fraternity/sorority involvement), substance use, sexual risk behaviors and incapacitated sexual assault (unaware/unable to consent due to alcohol/drugs), forced sexual assault, positive depression screening, and reason for ED visit (injury vs. medical). RESULTS In total, 2,300 past-year drinkers participated: 58% female, 75% Caucasian, and mean age = 18.4. Regarding past 3-month blackouts, 72.7% reported none, 19.3% reported monthly or less, and 8% reported monthly or more. Multivariate cumulative logit regression indicated that blackout frequency was positively associated with: college involvement in Greek life, alcohol use severity, prescription drug misuse, marijuana, screening positive for depression, incapacitated sexual assault, and a gender by alcohol use severity interaction. CONCLUSION With one-quarter of this clinical sample reporting recent blackouts, as well as the association between blackout frequency and health risk behaviors and other outcomes, findings underscore the need for programs focusing on substance use, depression, and preventing sexual assault. Interventions should also address poly-substance use and drinking motives. Although findings highlight how college students in Greek life may be at high risk for blackouts, many participants not in college also reported blackouts, suggesting that interventions in other settings are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Voloshyna
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, Neurology and Medical Psychology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Svobody Sq. 6 r. №694а, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 61077
- University of Michigan Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Erin E. Bonar
- University of Michigan Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Rebecca M. Cunningham
- University of Michigan Injury Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 2800 Plymouth Road, NCRC10-G080, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights 3790A SPHI, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Mark A. Ilgen
- University of Michigan Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
| | - Frederic C. Blow
- University of Michigan Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
| | - Maureen A. Walton
- University of Michigan Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- University of Michigan Injury Center, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 2800 Plymouth Road, NCRC10-G080, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109
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Pandria N, Kovatsi L, Vivas AB, Bamidis PD. Resting-state Abnormalities in Heroin-dependent Individuals. Neuroscience 2016; 378:113-145. [PMID: 27884551 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a major health problem worldwide. Recent neuroimaging studies have shed light into the underlying mechanisms of drug addiction as well as its consequences to the human brain. The most vulnerable, to heroin addiction, brain regions have been reported to be specific prefrontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal regions, as well as, some subcortical regions. The brain regions involved are usually linked with reward, motivation/drive, memory/learning, inhibition as well as emotional control and seem to form circuits that interact with each other. So, along with neuroimaging studies, recent advances in resting-state dynamics might allow further assessments upon the multilayer complexity of addiction. In the current manuscript, we comprehensively review and discuss existing resting-state neuroimaging findings classified into three overlapping and interconnected groups: functional connectivity alterations, structural deficits and abnormal topological properties. Moreover, behavioral traits of heroin-addicted individuals as well as the limitations of the currently available studies are also reviewed. Finally, in need of a contemporary therapy a multimodal therapeutic approach is suggested using classical treatment practices along with current neurotechonologies, such as neurofeedback and goal-oriented video-games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Pandria
- Neuroscience of Cognition and Affection Group, Laboratory of Medical Physics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Leda Kovatsi
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ana B Vivas
- Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Psychology, City College, The University of Sheffield International Faculty, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Panagiotis D Bamidis
- Neuroscience of Cognition and Affection Group, Laboratory of Medical Physics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Lau-Barraco C, Braitman AL, Stamates AL, Linden-Carmichael AN. Alcohol use variability in a community-based sample of nonstudent emerging adult heavy drinkers. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2016; 42:698-706. [PMID: 27314308 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2016.1183671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While nonstudent emerging adults are at elevated risk for experiencing alcohol-related problems, there remains a paucity of research devoted specifically to addressing drinking in this group. OBJECTIVES The present study sought to offer unique insights into nonstudent drinking by examining drinking variability across 30 days using a retrospective diary method. Specific aims were to: (1) compare within- and between-person variability in alcohol use across 30 days, and (2) determine the extent to which central social-cognitive between-person factors (i.e., social expectancies, perceived drinking norms, social drinking motivations) predict between-person alcohol use as well as within-person variability in drinking. METHODS Participants were 195 (65.1% men) nonstudent emerging adults recruited from the community with a mean age of 21.9 (SD = 2.1) years. RESULTS Findings showed that a substantial portion of variation in daily alcohol consumption was attributable to the within-person (83%) rather than between-person (17.2%) level. Social expectancies, perceived drinking norms, and social motives were found to influence variability in daily alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Our findings contribute to knowledge that could guide efforts to design and tailor intervention strategies to minimize the harms experienced by an understudied and at-risk population of drinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Lau-Barraco
- a Department of Psychology , Old Dominion University , Norfolk , VA , USA.,b Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology , Norfolk , VA , USA
| | - Abby L Braitman
- a Department of Psychology , Old Dominion University , Norfolk , VA , USA
| | - Amy L Stamates
- a Department of Psychology , Old Dominion University , Norfolk , VA , USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW To provide an overview of studies within the past five years examining the impact of social network factors on addictive behaviors among college students, to discuss gaps, limitations, and controversies in the field, and to summarize with a discussion of future directions and implications for interventions. RECENT FINDINGS A review of 13 studies indicated that greater network exposure, centrality, reciprocated ties, and more tightly interconnected networks were associated with greater alcohol use and other addictive behaviors among college students. SUMMARY Greater research is needed that expands beyond alcohol use to other addictive behaviors among college students. Additionally, more studies are needed that longitudinally study the impact of changes in social networks on addictive behaviors and vice versa, as well as studies examining sociocentric (whole) networks. Social network approaches offer innovative perspectives in understanding social influences on addictive behaviors and novel intervention strategies for potentially reducing addictive behaviors among college students.
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Miething A, Rostila M, Edling C, Rydgren J. The Influence of Social Network Characteristics on Peer Clustering in Smoking: A Two-Wave Panel Study of 19- and 23-Year-Old Swedes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164611. [PMID: 27727314 PMCID: PMC5058505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study examines how the composition of social networks and perceived relationship content influence peer clustering in smoking, and how the association changes during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood. METHODS The analysis was based on a Swedish two-wave survey sample comprising ego-centric network data. Respondents were 19 years old in the initial wave, and 23 when the follow-up sample was conducted. 17,227 ego-alter dyads were included in the analyses, which corresponds to an average response rate of 48.7 percent. Random effects logistic regression models were performed to calculate gender-specific average marginal effects of social network characteristics on smoking. RESULTS The association of egos' and alters' smoking behavior was confirmed and found to be stronger when correlated in the female sample. For females, the associations decreased between age 19 and 23. Interactions between network characteristics and peer clustering in smoking showed that intense social interactions with smokers increase egos' smoking probability. The influence of network structures on peer clustering in smoking decreased during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood. CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed peer clustering in smoking and revealed that females' smoking behavior in particular is determined by social interactions. Female smokers' propensity to interact with other smokers was found to be associated with the quality of peer relationships, frequent social interactions, and network density. The influence of social networks on peer clustering in smoking decreased during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Miething
- Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Rostila
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jens Rydgren
- Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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