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A new study conducted by researchers from Penn State, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of Oregon has revealed a surprising connection between students’ sense of belonging at their university and their likelihood to engage in binge-drinking. The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, found that students who feel a stronger connection to their university are more likely to binge-drink compared to those who do not.
The researchers, including Stephane Lanza from Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development, and lead author Danny Rahal from the University of California, Santa Cruz, focused on the relationship between mental health, substance use, and university connectedness. They examined the behaviors of 4,018 students during the 2022-23 academic year, collecting data on their substance use, mental health, and feelings of belonging at their universities.
Key Findings
The study revealed that students with good mental health who felt connected to their university were more likely to have engaged in binge-drinking in the past month. Surprisingly, the connection between university belonging and binge-drinking persisted even among students with average or good mental health.
“We found that students who felt connected to their university were more likely to use substances, especially alcohol, than students who felt disconnected, regardless of their mental health status,” said Rahal. The study suggests that while a sense of belonging can be beneficial for mental well-being, it may also be linked to higher rates of substance use, particularly in environments where drinking is part of the campus culture.
Kristin Perry, a co-researcher and assistant professor at the University of Oregon, emphasized that while fostering connectedness is essential for student engagement and retention, it can sometimes be accompanied by behaviors like binge-drinking, especially at universities where alcohol plays a central role in social life.
Mental Health and Substance Use
The researchers used a statistical modeling technique called latent profile analysis to identify five mental health profiles among students, based on factors like anxiety, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, flourishing, and academic confidence. Students with higher levels of flourishing and lower levels of stress were considered to have good mental health. These students were found to be more likely to binge-drink if they also felt connected to their university.
However, the study also found unexpected patterns when it came to other substances. Students with poor mental health who felt connected to their university were more likely to use non-vaped tobacco products than those who did not feel a strong connection. The relationship between cannabis use and university connectedness was less conclusive, though a general trend toward higher substance use among connected students was observed.
Implications for University Policies
The study’s findings highlight a nuanced relationship between student engagement and substance use. While creating a sense of belonging is crucial for student success, the researchers suggest that universities must be mindful of the cultural context in which this connectedness is fostered. If alcohol is a prominent part of campus life, it may influence students’ behaviors in negative ways.
Lanza, the senior researcher, pointed out that many students overestimate the prevalence of binge-drinking on campus, believing it to be far more common than it is. In reality, less than one-third of the students in the study had engaged in binge-drinking in the past month, yet students perceived alcohol consumption as much more frequent. This discrepancy offers an opportunity for universities to reshape student perceptions by promoting alcohol-free activities and creating spaces where socializing without alcohol is normalized.
Creating Healthier Campus Environments
The researchers also noted that minoritized students, including those from underrepresented racial, gender, or socioeconomic backgrounds, often face additional barriers to feeling welcome at their universities. These groups are particularly vulnerable to disengagement, which can lead to lower retention rates and fewer opportunities for academic and career success.
Lanza concluded, “By providing diverse opportunities for all students to build a sense of belonging, we can improve campus life while helping students stay on track for a healthier future.”
This study underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors that contribute to substance use on university campuses and highlights the need for more inclusive, supportive environments that encourage healthy behaviors while fostering a strong sense of community.
More Information:
Danny Rahal et al., Mental Health Modulates Associations between Institutional Belonging and Substance Use Risk, Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (2024). DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00382
