Alcohol use and perceived social and emotional consequences among perpetrators of general and sexual aggression

J Interpers Violence. 2010 Apr;25(4):699-715. doi: 10.1177/0886260509334399. Epub 2009 Jun 15.

Abstract

This study examines the relation among alcohol use, alcohol-related aggression expectancies, and the perceived negative consequences of perpetrating general and sexual aggression. Participants (N = 2,941; 59% female) were incoming college freshmen who reported on the last 3 months of their senior year of high school. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses for general aggression reveal that heavy alcohol consumption at the time of the aggression and strong alcohol-related aggression expectancies were associated with more frequent social and emotional consequences. For sexual aggression, similar regression analyses found that any alcohol use at the time of the aggression, but not outcome expectancies, was associated with social and emotional consequences. Among individuals who perpetrated general and sexual aggression, consuming alcohol at the time of the aggression was positively associated with perceived negative social and emotional consequences. Results do not support the idea that alcohol is used as an excuse for aggressive behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Coercion
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking
  • Self Concept
  • Social Behavior
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Universities
  • Young Adult