Alcohol policy support among mandated college students

BackgroundAlcohol consumption on college campuses is high, and often dangerous. College administrators have created policies to control alcohol consumption, but student body support or opposition of specific policies has been relatively unexplored.MethodThe current study examined the relations of alcohol policy support with gender and alcohol consumption. Mandated students (N = 229; 44% women) completed self-report assessments of alcohol policy support and alcohol consumption.ResultsWomen supported policies to a greater extent than did men, as did lighter drinkers relative to heavier drinkers. Drinks per drinking day fully mediated the relation between gender and alcohol policy support.ConclusionWhile alcohol policy support differs by gender, this covariation is explained by differences in alcohol consumption. Findings have implications for addressing alcohol policy support among mandated college students.

Research highlights
► We explored the association among alcohol use, gender, and alcohol policy support.
► Mandated college students provided data.
► Alcohol use mediates relation between gender and alcohol policy support.