Student Organizations as Agents of Cultural Change: An Examination of Penn State Student Organizations' Limiting Effect on Binge Drinking
Open Access
Author:
Kirby, Kaitlyn Elizabeth
Area of Honors:
Management
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Forrest Scott Briscoe, Thesis Supervisor Forrest Scott Briscoe, Thesis Supervisor Charles C Snow, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Penn State alcohol consumption binge drinking student organzations prevention efforts environemental management strategies social capital
Abstract:
Binge drinking is a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption which affects over two fifths of college students nationwide. Many universities, including Penn State, have implemented initiatives and programs to reduce consumption levels and related harms. Environmental management strategies focusing on limiting alcohol’s accessibility, availability, and promotion have had little success at Penn State. As such, consumption and binge drinking rates at Penn State have remained nearly constant since 1999. Recent studies suggest that high levels of social capital, identified as voluntary activity and engagement among students, may have a positive risk-modifying effect on binge drinking. In a 2010 Student Affairs survey, 86% of Penn State students identified themselves as a member of a student club or organization. This statistic indicates that a high level of social capital exists on Penn State’s campus. Although high levels of voluntary activity are proven to have a moderating effect on binge drinking, the type of involvement may matters to the effect on drinking behaviors at Penn State.
This thesis explores which type of Penn State student organizations are likely to engage in preventative efforts, thus having a limiting effect on binge drinking. The conclusions suggest that multi-purpose student organizations can become an integral part of alcohol prevention efforts at Penn State. Recommendations are made to the University and student organizations based on research and the study’s outcomes.
