Deterrence Theory and the Role of Shame in Projected Offending of College Students Against a Ban on Alcohol

• NCJ Number: 231077
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: 2009 Pages: 419-437
• Author(s): Margaret S. Kelley, Ph.D.; Miyuki Fukushima, Ph.D.; Andrew L. Spivak, Ph.D.; David Payne, M.A.
• Editor(s): James Robinson III Ed.D.
• Date Published: 2009
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Baywood Publishing Co, Inc.
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated efforts to understand and regulate problem drinking in college by examining the perceived effects of a dry policy enacted on a college campus.

Abstract

In the present study we advance previous research in deterrence theory by examining the perceived deterrent effects of a newly instituted dry policy on a college campus. A survey of 500 full-time undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 26 was conducted 3 months following the ban on alcohol. Hypotheses are derived from deterrence theory and focus on both formal and informal sanctions as they predict projected offending. Findings indicate that perceived severity of the sanction does not predict deterrence against future policy violations. However, the informal deterrent of shame does lower projected offending. While these results suggest that a formal dry policy is not likely to deter future problem drinking behaviors among these college students, reductions may be achieved with the use of informal sanctions and the incorporation of principles from reintegrative shaming theory. Tables and references (Published Abstract)