Individual differences in the "Greek effect" on risky drinking: the role of self-consciousness

Psychol Addict Behav. 2006 Mar;20(1):85-90. doi: 10.1037/0893-164X.20.1.85.

Abstract

Although the environmental influence of Greek affiliation on drinking has been established, little is known about intrapersonal characteristics that make individuals susceptible to this influence. Self-consciousness (attending to one's self) was hypothesized to represent dispositional vulnerability to environmental influence. The potential moderating effect of self-consciousness on the relation between Greek involvement and drinking was examined longitudinally among college students (N = 319). The effect of Greek status was moderated by private and public self-consciousness and by gender. Specifically, non-Greek members' drinking was not influenced by self-consciousness. However, sorority members increased drinking as private self-consciousness increased, whereas fraternity members increased drinking as private and public self-consciousness decreased. These findings indicate that the "Greek effect" interacts with individual characteristics to affect drinking.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking* / ethnology
  • Female
  • Greece
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Concept*
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires