Freshman Attitudes and Behavior Toward Drugs: A Comparison by Year and Gender

An anonymous questionnaire concerning attitudes and behavior toward drugs was administered to a random sample of 364 incoming freshmen (49% male and 51% female) in 1978, and to 499 (56% male and 44% female) incoming freshmen in 1988. Results of this study indicated a similar pattern of decline in drug use as exhibited nationwide. There was a significant decline in incidence rates of nine substances over 10 years, as well as a greater percentage of students who reported that they have never used certain substances. Gender differences have lessened; only beer and cigarettes in 1978 and beer in 1988 were significantly different by gender in incidence rate. There were significant differences by gender in 1988 on reasons for not using 12 drugs; yet, there were no significant differences on reasons for using drugs. Freshmen in 1988 also appeared more cautious and conservative regarding both use and legalization of certain substances. Other results are presented and implications for student affairs programming are discussed.