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Religiosity, Alcohol Use, and Sex Behaviors Among College Student-Athletes

Journal of Religion and Health volume 52, pages 930–940 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

College student-athletes tend to consume more alcohol, engage in sex, and report more sex partners than nonathlete students. The current study examined the relationship between religiosity (e.g., influence of religious beliefs and church attendance) and alcohol use and sex behavior among college student-athletes. Most of the student-athletes (n = 83) were religious. Influence of religious beliefs was a significant predictor of less alcohol use and less sexual activity (i.e., oral and vaginal sex, number of sex partners). However, increased church attendance was not found to be a protective factor. Findings suggest that religious beliefs may contribute to reduction of alcohol use and sexual risk among college student-athletes. Consideration should be given to incorporating religiosity aspects in sexual and alcohol risk-reduction interventions for student-athletes.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 1530 Cherry Hall, Room 139, Kansas City, MO, 64138, USA

    Erin W. Moore, Jannette Y. Berkley-Patton & Starlyn M. Hawes

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  1. Erin W. Moore
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  2. Jannette Y. Berkley-Patton
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  3. Starlyn M. Hawes
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Correspondence to Erin W. Moore.

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Moore, E.W., Berkley-Patton, J.Y. & Hawes, S.M. Religiosity, Alcohol Use, and Sex Behaviors Among College Student-Athletes. J Relig Health 52, 930–940 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9543-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9543-z

Keywords

  • Athletes
  • Religiosity
  • Sex behavior
  • Alcohol