Heavy alcohol use is a problem on many college campuses with short-term and long-term consequences for students. Little is known about the role parents play in alcohol use prevention among college students in the context of alcohol abstinent religiosity. This study, based on the human ecology framework, hypothesized parental involvement and conflict and open communication have an effect on regular alcohol use, but will not have as strong an influence as religious faith and participation. Secondary analysis of a health-risk behaviors survey collected March 2012 on a conservative Christian college campus was conducted for this manuscript style dissertation that included two separate studies. For study one, the multiple linear regression model included parental involvement and conflict, age, gender, ethnicity, religious belief and participation as part of the predictor model to explain the variance of regular alcohol use among those who self-identified as Seventh-day Adventist, single, age 18-25, and not living at home. Results found mother not knowing what is done in the child’s spare time had a relationship with using alcohol regularly, especially for those under age 21. Believing “God wants me to take care of my body by avoiding drugs and alcohol” had the strongest relationship with not using alcohol. Participation in Sabbath school and younger age also were protective factors. Study two was an explanatory mixed method approach using step-wise logistic regression analysis of the same survey and secondary analysis of follow up focus groups. The step-wise logistic regression was used to assess the effect of parental communication, age, gender, ethnicity, and religious belief and participation on regular alcohol use among the same population. Results showed that open communication with mother on the topic of drugs, sex, and alcohol decreased the chance of regular alcohol use by about 30% in the first set of models, age increased the odds of alcohol use by 50%, religious participation decreased the probability of alcohol use by 26%, and religious belief decreased the chance of regular alcohol use by about 60% in the last set of models. Six follow-up focus groups were conducted, and themes identified were: abstinent environment vs. secular culture, authoritative parenting, and drinking for recreation and coping that helped to explain the role parents and religiosity play in alcohol use among college students. These narrative themes helped to explain the complex interplay between the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels that influence college student alcohol use. In conclusion, there are multiple influences on alcohol use among a population of abstinent oriented Christian college students. Parents play many roles in college student alcohol use, but as young adults mature, religiosity can play a stronger role. Individual and cultural factors influence alcohol use as well. There are implications for parents, family life educators, faith communities, and college administrators/counselors.
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