Student drinking cultures in tertiary education residential accommodation: A contextual research study

Abstract

Background: In Australia, harmful drinking among students aged 18–24 years in tertiary education residential accommodation (TRA) remains high, placing students at higher risk of harms than non-TRA and university peers. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the context-specific factors distinctive to TRAs that supported a heavy drinking culture among students. Conducted across three sites in Melbourne, Australia, the purpose of the study was to inform the development of context-specific harm reduction interventions for these sites. Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with 32 students to examine their lived experience of drinking within the distinctive environments of their TRAs. The data were examined using thematic data analysis. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) routine drinking in TRAs; (2) drinking for social inclusion in the TRA; and (3) TRA alcohol governance and students’ self-regulation. The data show that factors contributing to these TRA drinking cultures included: liberty to store alcohol and drink on campus; freshers’ belief that admission to the TRA was conditional on “partying hard”; students’ belief that staff supported the TRA drinking culture; and poor dissemination and operationalisation of TRA alcohol policy. Collectively, these factors fostered an environment that enabled frequent and heavy alcohol consumption among residents. Conclusions: The TRA drinking cultures were supported by social and regulatory factors specific to these institutions and, in particular, by a liberal approach to TRA alcohol governance and poorly disseminated alcohol policy that made widespread heavy drinking possible. Drinking cultures in TRAs can be changed through appropriate interventions that include nuanced policy and effective governance.

Stereotype threat contributes to poorer recall performance among undergraduate students with problematic drinking patterns.

“…The potential role of an experimenter’s presence in person rather than virtually, perhaps adding social pressure or anxiety, on stereotype threat effects would be worthy of investigation. In addition, this study took place at a Canadian “commuter” university, which may differ from other universities (i.e., with fraternities) in terms of drinking culture (Leontini & Corney, 2023). Broader replication at several universities may be fruitful for generalizing across different student cultures.…”

The PEERCARE peer led programme for college students: A qualitative evaluation of a “chill-out” harm reduction space

“…Hence, awareness of the dangers involved in excessive alcohol consumption does not deter risky behaviours ( Calvert et al, 2010 ). Nevertheless, knowledge transfer remains essential, but how knowledge is transmitted among this student population is equally important ( Leontini & Corney, 2023 ). Indeed, studies have demonstrated that traditional approaches based on “one way, top down” methods, transmitting only facts presented as “do's and don’ts”, have limited success in engaging young people ( Leontini & Corney, 2023 ; Wilkinson & Ivsins, 2017 ).…”

“…Nevertheless, knowledge transfer remains essential, but how knowledge is transmitted among this student population is equally important ( Leontini & Corney, 2023 ). Indeed, studies have demonstrated that traditional approaches based on “one way, top down” methods, transmitting only facts presented as “do's and don’ts”, have limited success in engaging young people ( Leontini & Corney, 2023 ; Wilkinson & Ivsins, 2017 ). Models based on dynamic educational methods, in which students dialogue and become subjects of knowledge rather than objects or “passive recipients”, can thus lead to the greater appropriation of messages ( Corney et al, 2020 ; Corney & du Plessis, 2022 ; Matthews, 2014 ).…”

Our content is relevant and on track

“…Two articles in this issue approach student drinking in contexts where students are at higher risks of harm. Leontini and Corney (2023 ) investigate tertiary education residential accommodation drinking cultures in Australia, where widespread heavy drinking is made possible by a liberal approach to alcohol governance and poorly disseminated policies. Danehorn et al (2023 ) compare the alcohol use, mental health and sexual behaviour of Swedish exchange students compared with those who remained at home.…”