College students' conceptualization of substance use by peers and themselves: a pilot vignette-based experiment.
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| Title: | College students' conceptualization of substance use by peers and themselves: a pilot vignette-based experiment. |
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| Authors: | Schmidt, Karl T. (AUTHOR), Holmes, Ava R. (AUTHOR), Cozens, Annie J. (AUTHOR), DeLuca, Joseph S. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. Oct2026, Vol. 74 Issue 8, p2247-2255. 9p. |
| Subjects: | Substance abuse, Cocaine, Research funding, Affinity groups, Pilot projects, Smoking, Heroin, Psychology of college students, Case studies, Cannabis (Genus), Alcoholism, Symptoms |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are prevalent among college students. We assessed whether college students rate scenarios representing symptoms of SUDs differently depending on 1) whether symptoms were ascribed to a friend or to themselves and 2) across drugs. Methods: Each participant read vignette describing use of either tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, Adderall, cocaine, Vicodin, heroin, a non-drug anxiety condition, or a non-drug/non-mental health condition. Participants rated the clarity/believability, degree of substance use, and severity/illness nature. Participants then read and rated another vignette describing the same condition, except "you" engaged in those behaviors and experienced those symptoms. Results: Ratings of others' substance use were higher than ratings of personal substance use. Marijuana use was rated as less serious and life-threatening compared to other substances. Interestingly, stress was identified most as a chronic medical condition. Conclusion: College students might need additional information regarding SUDs to provide peer support and seek treatment themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are prevalent among college students. We assessed whether college students rate scenarios representing symptoms of SUDs differently depending on 1) whether symptoms were ascribed to a friend or to themselves and 2) across drugs. Methods: Each participant read vignette describing use of either tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, Adderall, cocaine, Vicodin, heroin, a non-drug anxiety condition, or a non-drug/non-mental health condition. Participants rated the clarity/believability, degree of substance use, and severity/illness nature. Participants then read and rated another vignette describing the same condition, except "you" engaged in those behaviors and experienced those symptoms. Results: Ratings of others' substance use were higher than ratings of personal substance use. Marijuana use was rated as less serious and life-threatening compared to other substances. Interestingly, stress was identified most as a chronic medical condition. Conclusion: College students might need additional information regarding SUDs to provide peer support and seek treatment themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07448481 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2026.2653166 |
