Ann M. Gary

Abstract

The purpose of this correlational study was to deter­ mine the relationship of alcohol abuse and achievement developmental tasks in college-age students. Alcohol abuse is defined by four or more drinks at least 3 or more times a week. Developmental tasks for college students consists of three primary tasks: clarifying purpose, mature inter­ personal relationships, and academic autonomy. The sample was comprised of 30 subjects between the ages of 18 to 24 years, classified as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, and who attended a major southeastern university in Central Mississippi. Data were collected using the Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory-3 (SDTLI-3) and a Modified Mississippi State University Alcohol Survey. The null hypothesis stated that there is no relation­ ship between achievement of developmental tasks and abusive alcohol use in college-age students. The null hypothesis was tested using Spearman rho correlation coefficient, v_ (31) = 0.4219, p_ = .0086, Since this value was signifi­ cant at the .05 level, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis. Recommendations are made for replication of the study with a more representative sample and a different tool IV to measure alcohol abuse. Because so few studies have been conducted concerning developmental tasks of this age group, further research is recommended.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1989

Publication Number

27919866

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Second Advisor

Kaye Wells

Document Type

Thesis

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