IMRaD Paper

  My headings do not show up when transferred. 

  

  

  

  

  

  

 Does Alcohol Influence College Relationships? 

Ellie J. McDermott 

University of Iowa 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Abstract  

Underage drinking is one of the biggest problems on college campuses.  This study is important because it focuses on how alcohol affects University of Iowa students.  Students from the University of Iowa were surveyed to determine if alcohol has affected their personal relationships.  The survey produced various answers that were then split into three categories: friendships, romantic relations, and personal drinking reflection.  The research found that friendships were formed because alcohol was present, romantic relations had negative consequences, and personal drinking continues to rise.  This study indicates that more data needs to be collected at the University of Iowa to conduct feature research in order to help students and solve this problem.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Introduction  

The impact alcohol has on college students' relationships has increased substantially within the past few decades.  “Over 80% of college students have at least one alcoholic drink over a two-week time period and 40% are binge drinking at parties” (Palmeri).  Researchers have found that most college students report they drink because it is the “culture” they are immersed in.  In a recent study from the National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism, it was estimated that “65% of college students drink alcohol in a given month.  Along with 44% of students between the ages of 18-22 consume five or more drinks in one night” (Rini).  This research shows that while students attend college to receive an education, they find themselves balancing their academic studies and their social life.  Students tend to focus a great deal of time on making lifetime friendships and memories and become engrossed in college life.  With the norm of this college culture, researchers investigated how alcohol influenced relationships due to peer pressure and dating issues that occur when alcohol is present.  College age students form most of their romantic relationships and friendships in public settings where alcohol seems to be present.  Whether it is at a local bar, tailgate for a sporting event, fraternity party, or other social events, alcohol is constantly present.  Alcohol is affecting relationships in college because of the peer pressure of drinking in order to be accepted and fit in.   

With this college culture in mind, researchers looked into how alcohol directly affected the quality of relationships.  Research showed that alcohol affects the quality of college relationships because of the “window of vulnerability.”  The purpose of this window is to attack students during a vulnerable state and allow alcohol to be in control of their relationships.  This is commonly seen within freshman as they are trying to establish friendships, romantic relationships, and peer connections in their first year of college.  Since alcohol is a major part of college life, peer pressure can quickly affect decision-making of a student.  “Peer relationships are consistently linked to alcohol use in college students” (Borsari).  Since most students are drinking, it feels as if the norm is to drink or not fit in.  “College students are viewing alcohol use as a positive and socially acceptable experience” (Palmeri).  The party scene has become the new normal students are starting to view it in a new light whether it is healthy for their relationships or not.   

When looking at the effect alcohol has on a romantic relationship in college, alcohol tends to cause people to do things they might not normally do.  Those in a relationship want to keep the other person happy and change their behavior and values.  “...greater relationship quality may be more willing to sacrifice or make changes to fit the needs of their partner, thus furthering their motivation to alter behavioral patterns, such as problematic alcohol use” (Khaddouma).  Fighting, cheating, along with other negative consequences eventually take their toll.  Additionally, research shows that “...due to the higher likelihood for heavy alcohol use and negative consequences among college students relative to non-student populations, it is likely that heavy alcohol use impacts the relationship functioning of individuals involved in a romantic relationship during college” (Khaddouma).  The emotional, physical, and psychological impact of drinking challenges college students even more and are potential warning signs if the relationship is sustained beyond college.    

Despite the studies done about how alcohol affects college friendships and romantic relationships, most studies group all college students together.  They assume the constant drinking and negative consequences that come from it apply to everyone.  By grouping all college students together, it is easy to articulate the gap.  Since the University of Iowa has been named a top partying school for over a decade, it is important to look at how alcohol is affecting the relationships of University of Iowa students.  Is alcohol creating a positive effect on relationships or a detrimental one? 

Methods 

Participants 

The participants in this survey included 32 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa.  Both men and women who took the survey ranged from 18-20 years old.  These 33 people all came from different backgrounds and have a variety of friendships, romantic relationships, and peer connections.   

Procedure 

The 33 college students participating were asked to take an online survey.  This survey asked seven questions, allowing the students to choose from four options: strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree.  One question asked how often they consumed alcohol in a week.  The survey was anonymous, allowed the participants to be honest with their responses, providing valuable information to fill the gap in research.  

Data Analysis 

After data was collected it was separated into three categories: peer pressure to drink, dating problems, and personal desire to consume alcohol.  By separating these questions into categories, percentages could then be created.  These percentages created visual representation such as pie charts.  

Results 

The results of the survey questions were grouped into three different categories: friendships, romantic relations, and personal drinking reflection.  These categories allow the data to be separately analyzed.  Conclusions were drawn based on the given data to indicate how alcohol affects each student and their personal relationships at the University of Iowa.   

Friendships 

    As research shows, many college friendships are formed at a party or other event where alcohol was present.  This survey asked participants to think if most of their friends consume alcohol and attend parties at the University of Iowa.  

  

Figure 1.1: Responses based on the question regarding if most of their friend's drink alcohol.  

 As seen in Figure 1.1, the data expresses how strongly University of Iowa students either agree or disagree that most of their friend's drink alcohol.  Data showed that 75.8% (25) of the participants strongly agreed that their friends drink.  While 21.2% (7) of the participants agreed their friends did the same thing.  On the other hand, only 3% (1) of the participants disagreed and 0% (0) strongly disagreed.  These results indicate that of the 33 students, more than half acknowledge their friends consume alcohol.  

Romantic Relations 

Many romantic relations are formed on college campuses and more times than not, alcohol is present.  This survey asked multiple questions regarding students’ romantic relations at the University of Iowa.  These questions dealt with fighting, cheating, hurtful words, and relationships ending due to actions while under the influence.   

  

Figure 2.1: Responses based on the question regarding if fights occur with a boyfriend/girlfriend when under the influence of alcohol.  

  

Within Figure 2.1, the data is more equally divided.  Data showed that 18.2% (6) participants strongly agree and 42.4% (14) participants agreed that fighting with their significant other occurs when intoxicated.  Other results indicated that various other problems like cheating, hurtful words and the ending of relationships happen because of alcohol use.  People’s actions cause serious consequences.  All 33 of the University of Iowa participants reported their relationship has been affected by cheating or hurtful words.  

Personal Drinking Reflection  

Although it is important to analyze college relationships, looking into personal drinking habits is crucial.  Whether peer pressure is present, drinking is a personal choice everyone makes every time they are in a situation where alcohol is present.  This survey asked participants to reflect on how many days a week they personally drank alcohol.    

  

Figure 3.1: Responses based on the question regarding how many times a week the student drinks each week. 

The data in Figure 3.1, shows that 72.7% (24) people drink alcohol 1-2 times a week.  While 24.2% (8) drink 3-4 times a week.  Contrary to the top percentage, 0% (0) people responded that they drink alcohol every day.  Even though peer pressure may be present in college relationships, this data shows they are not allowing it to consume them.  Out of the 33 University of Iowa students who participated, 24 make the decision to drink fewer days of the week.  

Discussion 

Summary  

This research shows how alcohol affects college relationships.  Through methods, it was found that previous research was correct.  Students are allowing alcohol to take control of their relationships and friendships.  The results from the survey express similar issues that previous research conducted.  Overall the results showed students will do whatever it takes to fit in and have friends.  A major issue that was found through the survey was the need for research for students’ and their reasons for drinking.  Even though not all students at the University of Iowa are included within this study, it is clear most students who participated feel the same way when put in a situation with alcohol.   

Limitations 

There are many limitations within this study.  A major limitation is the fact that the survey was self-reported and self-made.  This means errors will occur.  Another limitation is the participants who took the survey may have not given their honest answers.  More research needs to be conducted to find reasons behind the answers and more evidence.   

In addition, the survey was taken by mostly freshman and sophomore college students.  Also, over half of the participants were not random and were from Rhetoric 1030:0047.  By not having the participants be random, it allows more errors within the research.  Even though each student comes from a different background and has different experiences, they are still all undergraduates and in the same class. 

Implications  

The results of this study show that there is a problem and a change does need to occur.  Going forward, the University of Iowa may need to address this issue more publicly and frequently.  By doing this they need to send out more surveys and discussions about this topic.  This research indicates that friendships and relationships do have a major effect on a student and their life.  From the research, it was found that students are impacted greatly by what their friends do.  If partying and drinking are the norm, students will participate.  This means the University of Iowa needs to have more support for students who are negatively impacted.  Overall, this study is not indicating that students should not drink but allowing them to realize the negative consequences that can come from it if they do.   

Future Research 

For this problem to have a solution, more research needs to be done.  Researchers need to investigate smaller issues like why students’ feel the need to follow others and why drinking is popular on college campuses.  They also need to survey multiple schools all around the country, not just the Midwest.  This problem may not get fixed if researchers do not keep asking questions and sending out surveys to gain new information each year.  However, the implications would help future research by providing more information each year, it is truly up to the students at the university if a change is going to happen.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 References 

Borsari, Brian, and Kate B. Carey. “How the quality of peer relationships influences college  

alcohol use.” Drug and Alcohol Review, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2006. 

Khaddouma, Alexander, et al. “Drinking and dating: examining the link between relationship 

satisfaction, hazardous drinking, and readiness-to-change in college dating  

relationships.” Journal of College Student Development, U.S. National Library of  

Medicine, Jan. 2016. 

Palmeri, Josephine M. “Department of applied psychology.” Peer Pressure and Alcohol Use 

 amongst College Students - Applied Psychology OPUS - NYU Steinhardt, 2018. 

Rini, Jen. “How to Tell When College Partying Becomes a Problem.” Delawareonline, 8 Dec.  

2014. 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Appendix 

Alcohol Survey Questions 

1. Have you had fights with your boyfriend/girlfriend under the influence of alcohol? 

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

2. Have you said something hurtful or something I didn’t mean while under the influence of alcohol?  

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

3. Do most of your friend's drink alcohol?  

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

4. How many times a week do you personally drink alcohol? 

1. 1-2 times a week 

2. 3-4 times a week 

3. 5-6 times a week 

4. Everyday 

5. Have you ever ended a relationship/friendship with someone because of their actions while intoxicated?  

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

6. Have you cheated while being intoxicated? 

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

7. Did you meet your friends at a party or another alcoholic event? 

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

  

      

        

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

 Does Alcohol Influence College Relationships? 

Ellie J. McDermott 

University of Iowa 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Abstract  

Underage drinking is one of the biggest problems on college campuses.  This study is important because it focuses on how alcohol affects University of Iowa students.  Students from the University of Iowa were surveyed to determine if alcohol has affected their personal relationships.  The survey produced various answers that were then split into three categories: friendships, romantic relations, and personal drinking reflection.  The research found that friendships were formed because alcohol was present, romantic relations had negative consequences, and personal drinking continues to rise.  This study indicates that more data needs to be collected at the University of Iowa to conduct feature research in order to help students and solve this problem.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Introduction  

The impact alcohol has on college students' relationships has increased substantially within the past few decades.  “Over 80% of college students have at least one alcoholic drink over a two-week time period and 40% are binge drinking at parties” (Palmeri).  Researchers have found that most college students report they drink because it is the “culture” they are immersed in.  In a recent study from the National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism, it was estimated that “65% of college students drink alcohol in a given month.  Along with 44% of students between the ages of 18-22 consume five or more drinks in one night” (Rini).  This research shows that while students attend college to receive an education, they find themselves balancing their academic studies and their social life.  Students tend to focus a great deal of time on making lifetime friendships and memories and become engrossed in college life.  With the norm of this college culture, researchers investigated how alcohol influenced relationships due to peer pressure and dating issues that occur when alcohol is present.  College age students form most of their romantic relationships and friendships in public settings where alcohol seems to be present.  Whether it is at a local bar, tailgate for a sporting event, fraternity party, or other social events, alcohol is constantly present.  Alcohol is affecting relationships in college because of the peer pressure of drinking in order to be accepted and fit in.   

With this college culture in mind, researchers looked into how alcohol directly affected the quality of relationships.  Research showed that alcohol affects the quality of college relationships because of the “window of vulnerability.”  The purpose of this window is to attack students during a vulnerable state and allow alcohol to be in control of their relationships.  This is commonly seen within freshman as they are trying to establish friendships, romantic relationships, and peer connections in their first year of college.  Since alcohol is a major part of college life, peer pressure can quickly affect decision-making of a student.  “Peer relationships are consistently linked to alcohol use in college students” (Borsari).  Since most students are drinking, it feels as if the norm is to drink or not fit in.  “College students are viewing alcohol use as a positive and socially acceptable experience” (Palmeri).  The party scene has become the new normal students are starting to view it in a new light whether it is healthy for their relationships or not.   

When looking at the effect alcohol has on a romantic relationship in college, alcohol tends to cause people to do things they might not normally do.  Those in a relationship want to keep the other person happy and change their behavior and values.  “...greater relationship quality may be more willing to sacrifice or make changes to fit the needs of their partner, thus furthering their motivation to alter behavioral patterns, such as problematic alcohol use” (Khaddouma).  Fighting, cheating, along with other negative consequences eventually take their toll.  Additionally, research shows that “...due to the higher likelihood for heavy alcohol use and negative consequences among college students relative to non-student populations, it is likely that heavy alcohol use impacts the relationship functioning of individuals involved in a romantic relationship during college” (Khaddouma).  The emotional, physical, and psychological impact of drinking challenges college students even more and are potential warning signs if the relationship is sustained beyond college.    

Despite the studies done about how alcohol affects college friendships and romantic relationships, most studies group all college students together.  They assume the constant drinking and negative consequences that come from it apply to everyone.  By grouping all college students together, it is easy to articulate the gap.  Since the University of Iowa has been named a top partying school for over a decade, it is important to look at how alcohol is affecting the relationships of University of Iowa students.  Is alcohol creating a positive effect on relationships or a detrimental one? 

Methods 

Participants 

The participants in this survey included 32 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa.  Both men and women who took the survey ranged from 18-20 years old.  These 33 people all came from different backgrounds and have a variety of friendships, romantic relationships, and peer connections.   

Procedure 

The 33 college students participating were asked to take an online survey.  This survey asked seven questions, allowing the students to choose from four options: strongly agree, agree, disagree, and strongly disagree.  One question asked how often they consumed alcohol in a week.  The survey was anonymous, allowed the participants to be honest with their responses, providing valuable information to fill the gap in research.  

Data Analysis 

After data was collected it was separated into three categories: peer pressure to drink, dating problems, and personal desire to consume alcohol.  By separating these questions into categories, percentages could then be created.  These percentages created visual representation such as pie charts.  

Results 

The results of the survey questions were grouped into three different categories: friendships, romantic relations, and personal drinking reflection.  These categories allow the data to be separately analyzed.  Conclusions were drawn based on the given data to indicate how alcohol affects each student and their personal relationships at the University of Iowa.   

Friendships 

    As research shows, many college friendships are formed at a party or other event where alcohol was present.  This survey asked participants to think if most of their friends consume alcohol and attend parties at the University of Iowa.  

  

Figure 1.1: Responses based on the question regarding if most of their friend's drink alcohol.  

 As seen in Figure 1.1, the data expresses how strongly University of Iowa students either agree or disagree that most of their friend's drink alcohol.  Data showed that 75.8% (25) of the participants strongly agreed that their friends drink.  While 21.2% (7) of the participants agreed their friends did the same thing.  On the other hand, only 3% (1) of the participants disagreed and 0% (0) strongly disagreed.  These results indicate that of the 33 students, more than half acknowledge their friends consume alcohol.  

Romantic Relations 

Many romantic relations are formed on college campuses and more times than not, alcohol is present.  This survey asked multiple questions regarding students’ romantic relations at the University of Iowa.  These questions dealt with fighting, cheating, hurtful words, and relationships ending due to actions while under the influence.   

  

Figure 2.1: Responses based on the question regarding if fights occur with a boyfriend/girlfriend when under the influence of alcohol.  

  

Within Figure 2.1, the data is more equally divided.  Data showed that 18.2% (6) participants strongly agree and 42.4% (14) participants agreed that fighting with their significant other occurs when intoxicated.  Other results indicated that various other problems like cheating, hurtful words and the ending of relationships happen because of alcohol use.  People’s actions cause serious consequences.  All 33 of the University of Iowa participants reported their relationship has been affected by cheating or hurtful words.  

Personal Drinking Reflection  

Although it is important to analyze college relationships, looking into personal drinking habits is crucial.  Whether peer pressure is present, drinking is a personal choice everyone makes every time they are in a situation where alcohol is present.  This survey asked participants to reflect on how many days a week they personally drank alcohol.    

  

Figure 3.1: Responses based on the question regarding how many times a week the student drinks each week. 

The data in Figure 3.1, shows that 72.7% (24) people drink alcohol 1-2 times a week.  While 24.2% (8) drink 3-4 times a week.  Contrary to the top percentage, 0% (0) people responded that they drink alcohol every day.  Even though peer pressure may be present in college relationships, this data shows they are not allowing it to consume them.  Out of the 33 University of Iowa students who participated, 24 make the decision to drink fewer days of the week.  

Discussion 

Summary  

This research shows how alcohol affects college relationships.  Through methods, it was found that previous research was correct.  Students are allowing alcohol to take control of their relationships and friendships.  The results from the survey express similar issues that previous research conducted.  Overall the results showed students will do whatever it takes to fit in and have friends.  A major issue that was found through the survey was the need for research for students’ and their reasons for drinking.  Even though not all students at the University of Iowa are included within this study, it is clear most students who participated feel the same way when put in a situation with alcohol.   

Limitations 

There are many limitations within this study.  A major limitation is the fact that the survey was self-reported and self-made.  This means errors will occur.  Another limitation is the participants who took the survey may have not given their honest answers.  More research needs to be conducted to find reasons behind the answers and more evidence.   

In addition, the survey was taken by mostly freshman and sophomore college students.  Also, over half of the participants were not random and were from Rhetoric 1030:0047.  By not having the participants be random, it allows more errors within the research.  Even though each student comes from a different background and has different experiences, they are still all undergraduates and in the same class. 

Implications  

The results of this study show that there is a problem and a change does need to occur.  Going forward, the University of Iowa may need to address this issue more publicly and frequently.  By doing this they need to send out more surveys and discussions about this topic.  This research indicates that friendships and relationships do have a major effect on a student and their life.  From the research, it was found that students are impacted greatly by what their friends do.  If partying and drinking are the norm, students will participate.  This means the University of Iowa needs to have more support for students who are negatively impacted.  Overall, this study is not indicating that students should not drink but allowing them to realize the negative consequences that can come from it if they do.   

Future Research 

For this problem to have a solution, more research needs to be done.  Researchers need to investigate smaller issues like why students’ feel the need to follow others and why drinking is popular on college campuses.  They also need to survey multiple schools all around the country, not just the Midwest.  This problem may not get fixed if researchers do not keep asking questions and sending out surveys to gain new information each year.  However, the implications would help future research by providing more information each year, it is truly up to the students at the university if a change is going to happen.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 References 

Borsari, Brian, and Kate B. Carey. “How the quality of peer relationships influences college  

alcohol use.” Drug and Alcohol Review, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2006. 

Khaddouma, Alexander, et al. “Drinking and dating: examining the link between relationship 

satisfaction, hazardous drinking, and readiness-to-change in college dating  

relationships.” Journal of College Student Development, U.S. National Library of  

Medicine, Jan. 2016. 

Palmeri, Josephine M. “Department of applied psychology.” Peer Pressure and Alcohol Use 

 amongst College Students - Applied Psychology OPUS - NYU Steinhardt, 2018. 

Rini, Jen. “How to Tell When College Partying Becomes a Problem.” Delawareonline, 8 Dec.  

2014. 

  

  

  

  

  

  

Appendix 

Alcohol Survey Questions 

1. Have you had fights with your boyfriend/girlfriend under the influence of alcohol? 

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

2. Have you said something hurtful or something I didn’t mean while under the influence of alcohol?  

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

3. Do most of your friend's drink alcohol?  

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

4. How many times a week do you personally drink alcohol? 

1. 1-2 times a week 

2. 3-4 times a week 

3. 5-6 times a week 

4. Everyday 

5. Have you ever ended a relationship/friendship with someone because of their actions while intoxicated?  

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

6. Have you cheated while being intoxicated? 

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree 

7. Did you meet your friends at a party or another alcoholic event? 

1. Strongly agree 

2. Agree 

3. Disagree 

4. Strongly disagree