College students\u27 alcohol use, sexual aggression, and beliefs about sexual consent

Alcohol consumption among college students is a well-established phenomenon, as is the observation that they often do not abide by safe consumption practices. Of particular concern is the association between college students’ heavy drinking practices, reduced understanding and practice of sexual consent, and sexual aggression (e.g., coercion, unwanted physical contact, or rape). The aim of this study was to expand the current literature by assessing the degree to which college students’ self report of no, low/moderate, and heavy alcohol consumption was associated with (1) self reports of experiencing or committing sexually aggressive behavior, and (2) their understanding of what constitutes sexual consent between individuals. Understanding these issues may assist with the development of future prevention programs aimed at reducing the link between college students’ consumption of alcohol and risky sexual behaviors