Predicting College Student Gambling Frequency Using the Theory of Planned Behvior: Does the Theory Work Differently for Disordered and Non-Disordered Gamblers?

We examined whether disordered gambling moderates the prediction of gambling behavior via the theory of planned behavior (TPB; i.e., intentions, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes) among college students. A convenience sample of undergraduate students (N=377) at a large, Southeastern university who gambled in the past year completed a classroom-based survey. Approximately half of participants were male (n = 205; 54.4%), and the majority were Caucasian (n = 310; 83.8%). Gambling frequency, gambling problems and gambling-specific TPB constructs were assessed via a cross-sectional survey. A series of regression analyses were conducted to test the utility of the TPB model to predict gambling behavior (i.e., frequency) among (1) non-disordered gamblers (N=342) and (2) disordered gamblers (N=35). Moderation analyses indicated that disordered gamblers might not proceed through the thought processes that guide gambling in non-disordered gamblers. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously, as our study was limited by a small number of lifetime disordered gamblers

Investigating multiple layers of influence on sexual assault in a university setting

Sexual assault is a major public issue on college campuses; approximately 20 to 50 percent of female and up to 31 percent of male college students report being sexually victimized while in college. To date, little research has been conducted in this area that investigates interactions between intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and societal factors that influence campus sexual assault. The main purpose of this study was to examine interactions between different layers of influence on campus sexual assault. The present study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design (n=677) with online delivery of survey research. Overall, 191 (28.0 percent) participants reported being sexually assaulted since the beginning of their college career, and a total of 4.8 percent (32 participants) of the sample reported perpetration since the beginning of their college career. Prior victimization was the strongest predictor of both victimization (β=2.779; p<0.001; Odds ratio=16.100) and perpetration (β=2.551; p<0.001; Odds ratio=12.823) since the start of college. Further, those who received sexual assault prevention education had had better views of the institution than those who did not (F=5.702; p=0.001). Being a victim or perpetrator did not have an effect on institutional variables. Lastly, neither rape myth acceptance nor injunctive peer norms significantly moderated the relationship between binge drinking and perpetration since the start of college. This study has promising implications for future research as well as for public health education practitioners, college administrators, and health policy experts. Coordinated national, state, and local efforts are needed to change the climate in institutions of higher education that truly promote safe, healthy relationships and behaviors in college students. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Moderation of neural alcohol-cue craving by core personality systems

Alcohol cues are prevalent in our everyday lives (on commercials and billboards, in grocery ads, etc.). Past work has demonstrated that exposure to alcohol cues evokes alcohol craving as evidenced by cortical activation. Neural activity underlying cue-elicited craving is connected to core personality systems of approach motivation, avoidance motivation, and supervisory control. However, it is unclear which personality system is driving measures of frontal activation related to cue-elicited alcohol craving. The current study sought to determine which personality system moderates frontal asymmetric activation evoked by cue-elicited alcohol craving, when participants were exposed to alcohol or neutral pictures. Results revealed that greater trait impulsivity moderated the relationship between greater left-frontal activation and picture type. Approach motivation and avoidance motivation were unrelated to left-frontal activation and picture type. These results suggest that decreased activation of the supervisory control system (increased trait impulsivity) is responsible for greater left-frontal activation in response to cue-elicited alcohol craving, not increased activation of the approach system or the avoidance system. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

Maintaining lasting recovery after graduating from a collegiate recovery community

This phenomenological study sought to identify best practices employed by Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) members who successfully stayed in recovery after graduating and leaving said community. Research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with CRC graduates that self-reported uninterrupted sobriety for at least one year post-graduation. Twelve interviews were conducted and nine tertiary themes were identified through content analysis. Two independent reviewers were utilized to eliminate potential bias, consciously or unconsciously from the researcher. The independent reviewers confirmed six of the nine originally identified themes. The six tertiary themes that were identified and confirmed were: Maintaining Recovery Routines, Social Support, Personal/Peer Accountability, Motivating Emotions, Recovery/Life Balance, and Spirituality. The results of this research provide insights into the best practices utilized by successful CRC alumni and inform the growing literature surrounding CRCs. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

How are competitive mountain bikers training: an assessment of frequencies, modalities, and durations

The popularity of mountain biking has increased steadily over the past 10 years, and the number of competitive mountain bikers increases on a yearly basis. High physical conditioning is essential in performing well within the sport. As important as the training component is, very little is known as to how competitive mountain biker's train in an effort to enhance performance. Physiological parameters associated with success within the sport of mountain biking have been identified, as well as training suggestions for performance enhancement. However, these training suggestions targeted towards mountain bikers are not data driven. For the purposes of the present study, frequencies, durations, and modalities of exercise training among competitive mountain bikers were assessed, as well as recovery. A clear theoretical model was created to provide insight into how competitive mountain bikers are training. This model guided the present investigation and helped determine whether or not competitive mountain bikers are incorporating training techniques specifically targeted towards improving the physiological characteristics associated with success within the sport of mountain biking. Forty competitive riders completed a one-time in-depth online survey designed for the purposes of this study. The development of the present survey was driven by exercise training modalities known to increase the performance parameters associated with successful mountain bike riding. Participants represented all regions of the United States and were recruited through university sponsored sports club teams and NCAA intercollegiate teams. Competitive riders affiliated with local and national racing chapters were also contacted as potential participants. Results from the present study suggest that riders are participating in training modalities shown to increase physiological markers associated with successful mountain bike riding. Additionally, a majority of riders are adhering to the recommendations of workout frequency, as well as the recommended duration of these workout sessions. Findings from the current study also suggest that riders spend a majority of their exercise training on the trail. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries

College students' perceptions of adoption

The differences in perceptions of adoption among college students were the focus of this research. The research was conducted in response to a lack of literature in the area of college students and adoption. The results indicated that college students perceived adoption to be more stressful than having a biological child, and perceived having a biological child more satisfying than adopting. Still, many college students stated they would consider adopting. These findings are consistent with the often expressed view of adoption as "second-best". The purposes and hypotheses discussed in this research are important for families, students, counselors, educators, and social workers. There is a lack of information available to college students considering adoption, a lack of support to adoptees, and insufficient knowledge about the process and outcomes of adoption. Understanding college students' attitudes toward adoption should give direction regarding future social, legal, and educational views and pursuits related to adoption. Further research is needed to determine general findings, specifically research including more adoptees as well as a more diverse population of college students in various settings such as private, parochial and racially diverse college populations. Studies must focus on adoption and address stereotypes presented in literature, media, and educational materials. Expanding the body of literature will assist educators, advocates, parents, and counselors in taking the next step of shifting the paradigm of adoption to a more favorable one. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries