A novel approach to addressing high-risk drinking among college students merges psychological theory with social network dynamics to better understand and potentially increase help-seeking behaviors. A recent study spearheaded by Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health highlights how combining the Reasoned Action Approach—an individual-focused behavioral theory—with social network analysis offers valuable insight into why many students struggle to seek support for alcohol-related issues despite the widespread availability of campus resources.
High-risk drinking, characterized by blood alcohol concentration levels at or above 0.08%, continues to affect a significant portion of the college population in the United States. For over thirty years, between 30% and 40% of students have engaged in drinking behaviors that meet this criterion, signaling a persistent public health challenge. More alarmingly, approximately 16% of college students currently meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. Despite the gravity of these statistics, fewer than 10% of affected students actually pursue treatment or assistance, even when they recognize their own struggles.
The research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, was conducted by Assistant Professor Benjamin Montemayor and doctoral graduate Sara Flores from the Department of Health Behavior. It sought to uncover psychological and social factors influencing the intention to seek help among college drinkers, using a framework that encompasses both individual cognitive processes and interpersonal influences.
At the heart of this study is the Reasoned Action Approach, a comprehensive psychological framework that explains behavior by examining three key factors: an individual’s attitudes toward the behavior, perceived social norms or what they believe important others expect from them, and their perceived control over performing the behavior. This model suggests that these combined elements strongly determine a person’s intention, which is a primary predictor of actual behavior.
What sets this study apart is the integration of social network analysis with this theoretical framework. By mapping out students’ closest relationships and identifying how support and attitudes within these networks affect decision-making, the researchers tapped into the often-overlooked social dimension that influences personal health behaviors. This dual approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how individual intentions are either reinforced or suppressed by the immediate social environment.
Data was drawn from surveys of 1,447 full-time college students aged 18 to 24 who reported alcohol consumption in the past year. These participants provided detailed information on their drinking habits, attitudes towards seeking help, perceived stigma related to alcohol use disorder, and identified up to five individuals with whom they felt closest, effectively outlining their personal social networks.
Advanced statistical analysis revealed that variables from the Reasoned Action Approach explained nearly 40% of the variance in students’ intentions to seek help—a substantial finding in behavioral research. When social network characteristics were added to the model, the explained variance increased by a statistically significant 2.8%, underscoring the meaningful role that peers and close contacts play in shaping help-seeking intentions.
One key insight emerged: students were more likely to express intentions to seek assistance if they believed their close social connections supported such behavior. This demonstrates that perceived social support is not merely a background factor but an active component that can motivate or discourage individuals from pursuing treatment for problematic drinking.
The implications for college health services and intervention programs are profound. Traditional models focusing solely on individual attitudes or educational campaigns may miss critical opportunities to enhance efficacy by neglecting the social context in which students operate. Programs that incorporate strategies to engage supportive friends and family members might better empower students to act on their intentions.
Though the study did not experimentally test intervention methods, its theoretical foundation offers a roadmap for developing more precise and effective approaches. By addressing both cognitive and social influences simultaneously, colleges can create a more responsive environment that acknowledges the complexity of help-seeking behavior.
Stigma remains a significant barrier to treatment, and understanding how it interacts with both personal beliefs and social dynamics could be central to future efforts. Tailoring interventions to diminish stigma within close social circles may lower psychological resistance and create a more encouraging atmosphere for students to seek help.
In summation, this research illuminates the intricate interplay between individual psychology and social relationships in the context of alcohol use treatment seeking among college students. By leveraging insights from both the Reasoned Action Approach and social network analysis, the findings point toward integrated strategies that could make a real difference in addressing this persistent public health issue.
As universities continue to expand mental health services, incorporating these findings could lead to innovative outreach programs that do not only inform students but actively enlist their social networks in the healing process. Such an approach could redefine the landscape of collegiate substance abuse interventions and ultimately improve outcomes for thousands of young adults grappling with alcohol use disorders.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Understanding College Students’ Help-Seeking Intentions for Alcohol Use: A Theoretical and Network-Based Approach
News Publication Date: 12-May-2025
Web References:
- https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.24-00280
- https://public-health.tamu.edu/
- https://public-health.tamu.edu/directory/montemayor.html
- https://vitalrecord.tamu.edu/sara-flores-awarded-association-of-former-students-distinguished-graduate-student-award/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460319309797?via%3Dihub
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHNationalFindingsResults2010-web/2k10ResultsRev/NSDUHresultsRev2010.pdf
- https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203838020/predicting-changing-behavior-martin-fishbein-icek-ajzen
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network_analysis
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variance
References:
Montemayor, B., & Flores, S. (2025). Understanding College Students’ Help-Seeking Intentions for Alcohol Use: A Theoretical and Network-Based Approach. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. DOI: 10.15288/jsad.24-00280
Keywords: Substance abuse, Human social behavior
