An Examination of Prescription Stimulant Misuse and Psychological Variables Among Sorority and Fraternity College Populations

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2-1-2013

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine nonmedical stimulant use among fraternity/sorority members and nonmembers and whether psychological variables (e.g., internal restlessness, depression, anxiety, and stress) were related to nonmedical stimulant use. Method: The sample consisted of 1,033 undergraduate students from five universities located in the northeastern, southeastern, northwestern, southwestern, and midwestern regions of the United States. Results: The findings revealed that fraternity and sorority members reported a higher rate of nonmedical stimulant use than nonmembers. In addition, regression analyses revealed that higher ratings of anxiety, stress, internal impulsivity, and internal restlessness significantly predicted nonmedical stimulant use. Conclusion: Current findings support further examination of nonmedical stimulant use among other college student subpopulations (i.e., athletic teams, honor societies, residence halls). In addition, there is a strong need to develop research-based intervention and preventive measures that target college populations identified as being at risk for nonmedical stimulant use. © 2013 SAGE Publications.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Journal of Attention Disorders

Volume

17

Issue

2

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