Given the long standing gender differences in regard to alcohol-related behaviors and consequences, understanding how conformity to gender norms may predict alcoholrelated outcomes is an important next step in developing effective prevention efforts aimed at reducing alcohol-related sexual consequences for college women. The current study examined the relationships among conformity to feminine and masculine gender norms and alcohol-related outcomes (harmful drinking patterns, protective behavior strategy use, and sex-related consequences) among college women. Another primary aim of the study was to determine the extent to which sex-specific alcohol expectancies mediated the associations between gender norms and alcohol-related outcomes. Participants were 421 undergraduate college women who indicated that they had consumed alcohol at least once during the thirty days prior to completing the study measures, and who were between the ages of 18 and 25. Conformity to feminine norms was not directly predictive of any of the alcohol-related outcomes, while conformity to masculine norms was only associated with greater alcohol-related risky sexual behavior. Only sexual enhancement alcohol expectancies emerged as a mediator of the gender norms--alcohol-related outcomes link. Clinical and research implications are discussed. --Page ii.

Background: Alcohol-related sexual victimization and consequences (AViC) disproportionately affect first-year college women in the U.S. Heavy drinking and social factors typical of the college context have been linked to increased AViC risk, while the use of drinking-related and social protective behaviors have been shown to decrease risk. However, there is limited work simultaneously examining these behaviors, specifically at the event-level. Objective: The current study examined the effects of alcohol use, drinking protective behaviors, social protective behaviors, and contextual risk factors on AViC at the global level, using a prospective longitudinal design (Aim 1) and at the event-level using daily diary data (Aim 2). Aim 3 utilized ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the processes (via intentions and willingness) that influence decisions to drink, use protective behaviors, or engage in contextual risk on a given day. Methods: A random sample of 235 first-year female drinkers completed web-based assessments at the beginning (baseline) and end (3-month follow-up) of their first semester of college (Aim 1). Two-thirds of participants were randomized to an EMA protocol, which included 3-5 short cell phone-based surveys each day for 14 days (Aims 2 & 3). Hypotheses were tested using path analysis (Aims 1 and 2) and hierarchical linear modeling (Aim 3). Results: At the global level, typical weekend drinking was positively associated with alcohol-related victimization, but not consequences. This association weakened as individuals used more protective behaviors and more frequently drank in certain contexts (e.g., at parties; with friends). At the event-level, both estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) and variability in eBAC (averaged across individual drinking occasions) were associated with increased AViC. Drinking protective behavior use moderated these effects; however, social protective behavior use did not. Contextual factors also moderated the associations between event-level eBAC and AViC, such that for individuals who frequently engaged in sexual behavior during/after drinking, as their drinking and variability in drinking increased, so did their risk for AViC. Aim 3 analyses revealed individuals achieved higher eBACs, used more protective behaviors and engaged in greater contextual risk when they had greater intentions and were more willing to do so (across drinking occasions). The effects of willingness and intentions on drinking, protective behavior use, and contextual risk exposure varied within and across days. For example, women engaged in a wider variety of drinking contexts on days when their context intentions were higher than their own mean, and women used more social protective behaviors on days when their willingness to do so increased throughout the day. Implications: The current study is among the first to simultaneously examine drinking, protective behavior use, and context as predictors of AViC at multiple levels (e.g., global vs. daily). Findings suggest harm-reduction alcohol interventions remain a useful tool in reducing AViC, but that their efficacy might be enhanced by also accounting for daily variability in drinking and by promoting the use of both drinking and social protective behaviors. Momentary examination of decision-making processes revealed that intentions and willingness might influence behavior at different levels, challenging behavioral theories that assume global associations.

This instructive manual presents a pragmatic and clinically proven approach to the prevention and treatment of undergraduate alcohol abuse. The BASICS model is a nonconfrontational, harm reduction approach that helps students reduce their alcohol consumption and decrease the behavioral and health risks associated with heavy drinking. Including numerous reproducible handouts and assessment forms, the book takes readers step-by-step through conducting BASICS assessment and feedback sessions. Special topics covered include the use of DSM-IV criteria to evaluate alcohol abuse, ways to counter student defensiveness about drinking, and obtaining additional treatment for students with severe alcohol dependency. Note about Photocopy Rights: The Publisher grants individual book purchasers nonassignable permission to reproduce selected figures, information sheets, and assessment instruments in this book for professional use. For details and limitations, see copyright page.

"The link between alcohol use and sexual behaviour has serious implications for the health of populations due to the advent of HIV infection. WHO coordinated a multi-country study to identify factors related to risky sexual behaviour among alcohol users in diverse cultural settings. The countries involved included: Belarus, India, Mexico, Kenya, Romania, the Russian Federation, South Africa and Zambia."--Back cover.

Drinking beverage alcohol is a widespread source of individual and social pleasure in most countries around the world. Yet, some drinking patterns can lead to serious physical, mental, and social harms. Drinking in Context is intended to complement existing volumes dealing with international alcohol policy by focusing on three main themes: drinking patterns, targeted interventions, and partnership development. An understanding that patterns of drinking are important predictors of outcomes has led to a growing realization that alcohol policies and prevention strategies need to focus on excessive or irresponsible drinking. As a result, there has been a shift towards interventions that address the targeted reduction of harm. These approaches recognize socio-cultural differences and avoid trying to impose a one-size-fits-all solution. In this context, multi-stakeholder partnerships offer an excellent opportunity to promote the complex mix of measures required by each society. Shared responsibilities lead to shared solutions.

Edited by four leading violence researchers, this book takes a systemic view, offering a critical appraisal of research and theory that focuses on violence in youth, families, and communities.