Application of the social ecology model on alcohol use among college athletes

College athletes use alcohol at higher rates than comparably aged non-athletes. College athletes also report higher rates of alcohol-related consequences such as driving under the influence, unsafe sexual practices, and criminal behavior. This poses major problems for university administrators, athletic department personnel, and health educators. To understand why alcohol is so greatly used among these athletes, it is necessary to examine the ecology of this behavior.;College athletes exist in a campus environment that differs from the normal college student in terms of social structure. This study examined alcohol use among college athletes using the Social Ecology Model to determine what influenced the behavior. An ecological model specific to alcohol use in college athletes was established. An instrument used to assess college athletes' alcohol influences was designed using standard survey design techniques.;Using the designed instrument, a pilot test was completed among a sample of college athletes. Results showed that the primary influence on alcohol use is derived from intrapersonal beliefs and interpersonal relationships with teammates and other athletes. It was determined that policies and guidelines set forth by universities, athletic departments, and head coaches have little impact on alcohol behavior. While athletes considered to be team leaders drink at higher rates, leadership status and sport type did not differ among ecological level of influence.