Social and Environmental Predictors of Alcohol-Related Legal Infractions in College Students

Research on alcohol consumption among college students is often limited by self-reported outcomes and a narrow focus of predictor factors. This study examined both traditional risk factors for alcohol use as well as broader factors (e.g., weather, seasons) in predicting objective negative outcomes of alcohol use—alcohol-related legal infractions (ARLIs) derived from legal records and university citations for one calendar year. ARLIs significantly increased during rush week (p = .01) and football game days (p < .0001). ARLIs were significantly more prevalent during weekends (p < .0001) and autumn (p < .005) and showed some weather sensitivity (e.g., temperature, snowfall). Findings provide evidence for traditional risk factors increasing the prevalence of objective negative consequences (i.e., ARLIs) and further support the need to broaden the range of variables in the study of drinking behaviors.