Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2011

Thesis Director

Richard Roberts

Thesis Committee Member

Charles Eberly

Thesis Committee Member

Erin Walters

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the intersection between alcohol use and unanticipated consequences for college females. The second purpose of this study was to examine how the participants perceived their risk of sexual assault. Prior quantitative research in this field indicated that binge drinking is a predictor of risky behaviors. Research also showed that many negative consequences, including sexual assault, can occur as a result of binge drinking. A qualitative study was conducted to gain a better understanding of the drinking behaviors of college females in their own voices, as well as their perceived risk of negative consequences under the influence. General themes and categories from participant responses were evaluated based on prior research. The findings of the present study suggest that the college females in this study were aware that binge drinking can result in negative consequences. Additionally, the participants in this study had a distorted sense of binge drinking. The negative consequences that the research participants experienced are evidence of risky behaviors among college females. These findings are followed by a discussion section linking participant responses to the prior research. Recommendations for student affairs administrators are also included to help gain a better understanding of these findings. In return, this understanding could lead to greater success in curbing drinking behaviors and related negative consequences for females on college campuses.

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