Alcohol Use Patterns among High School Senior Athletes and Non-Athletes
Loading...
Authors
Finger, Barbara L.
Issue Date
1989
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study surveyed St. Francis High School seniors (N=310, 130 athletes, 180 non-athletes) regarding alcohol use. Sports participation in high school has Iong been associated with positive social behavior. The onset of drinking alcohol is also associated with the adolescent years. In the areas of alcohol exposure and various prevalence categories, the St. Francis seniors reported higher rates of usage than a national sampling. The findings also indicated that athletes drink more heavily per drinking occasion than non-athletes. Of special significance were the male athletes who reported a pattern of heavy beer drinking with teammates. Two-thirds of the senior class responded that the alcohol/drug education they had received did not have much impact on changing their interest in alcohol/drugs. Alternative models of Alcohol/drug education programs are reviewed and recommendations are made regarding the implementation of such programs