National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, taking place from October 19-25, 2023, highlights the pressing issues that students face regarding alcohol use on college campuses across the United States. At William & Mary, Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences Adrian Bravo is leading an international research initiative aimed at understanding why some students are particularly vulnerable to alcohol use disorders. His recent study, published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, identifies adverse childhood experiences as a significant factor influencing these vulnerabilities.
The research, co-authored by William & Mary alumna Isabela Ortiz Caso, examined the experiences of over 4,000 students from twelve universities in seven countries, including Argentina, England, the U.S., and South Africa. The findings indicate that the negative impacts of childhood adversity are not confined to extreme forms of abuse. Bravo emphasizes that everyday experiences, such as witnessing family conflict or feeling neglected, can shape a person’s identity and worldview, contributing to risky drinking behaviors.
While the study does not establish a direct causal link, it illustrates a clear correlation between childhood adversity, ruminative thinking, coping through drinking, and adverse alcohol-related outcomes. Ortiz Caso notes that unlike many psychological studies that focus on single populations, their cross-national analysis reveals consistent patterns that could inform global public health strategies.
The Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team (CAST)
The research initiative, known as the Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team (CAST), emerged from Bravo’s interest in the varying cultural and legal norms surrounding substance use. This collaboration includes eighteen researchers from seven countries, which allows for a comprehensive exploration of how personal histories and individual traits influence the risk of substance use and mental health issues.
According to Bravo, the primary goal of CAST is to identify factors that contribute to problematic drinking beyond just excessive consumption. The research suggests that three critical factors—impulsivity, poor mental health, and adverse childhood experiences—are consistently linked to negative alcohol-related outcomes across different cultures.
“Impulsivity often manifests as a sense of urgency to act in emotionally charged situations, which can lead to drinking as a means of celebration or solace,” Bravo explains. “Poor mental health, particularly among those who ruminate on negative feelings, can push individuals towards substances as a coping mechanism.” The final factor, adverse childhood experiences, encompasses a range of detrimental environments, from physical abuse to unstable home dynamics.
Understanding the Impact of Childhood Experiences
Both Bravo and Ortiz Caso share a personal connection to their research, as they are both Cuban immigrants who have navigated the complexities of cultural differences in substance use. Ortiz Caso, who currently works as an intramural research fellow at the National Institutes of Health, initially joined Bravo’s lab as an undergraduate through the W&M Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience (WMSURE), a program designed to support student research.
Her recent study highlights the correlation between hostile family environments and negative alcohol-related consequences. “Establishing this pattern across various geographies is crucial for developing interventions to address alcohol misuse among college students,” Ortiz Caso states. “Understanding the motivations behind drinking, particularly when rooted in early life experiences, can lead to more effective treatment strategies.”
The researchers argue that universities must provide resources to assist students grappling with alcohol use issues. At William & Mary, the Health & Wellness offerings provide various support avenues, including counseling services, health promotion, and fitness programs.
Bravo asserts that universities should move beyond merely advising students to drink less. Instead, they should offer alternatives to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as meditation, physical activity, and counseling services. “The goal is to break the cycle of maladaptive behaviors and promote healthier habits among students,” he concludes.
As National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week unfolds, the work of Bravo, Ortiz Caso, and their colleagues serves as a vital reminder of the importance of addressing the underlying issues of alcohol use among students, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems within academic institutions.
