Parental Attitudes Before College Linked to Student Binge Drinking, Study Finds
New research indicates a connection between parental attitudes towards alcohol and the likelihood of college students engaging in binge drinking, especially those who join fraternities or sororities. A study published in the journal Behavioral Sciences reveals that students prone to binge drinking frequently enough come from households with more lenient views on alcohol consumption.
Researchers surveyed both parents and students, focusing on drinking behaviors and attitudes, especially concerning binge drinking. The findings demonstrate that parents of students who ultimately join Greek life organizations – fraternities and sororities – exhibited greater permissiveness regarding alcohol use before their children even began college.
“Previous research has established a link between parental approval of student drinking and increased alcohol use among college students,” explains Kristi Morrison, the lead author of the study and a PhD student in Washington State University’s prevention science program. ”Our research delved into the relationship between parental approval and Greek affiliation, and we discovered that parents of students who join Greek organizations tend to be more permissive of binge drinking even prior to their students’ arrival on campus.”
The study highlights the increased risk of binge drinking and it’s associated dangers – including alcohol poisoning and blackouts – for students involved in Greek life. Understanding these risk factors, such as parental permissiveness, is crucial for developing effective interventions.
To gather data, Morrison and her coauthors questioned parents both before their children left for college and during their first year, assessing their views on “heavy episodic drinking” – defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more for men in a single occasion. Students were also asked to share their perceptions of their parents’ attitudes.
“The initial transition to college represents a particularly vulnerable period,” notes Jennifer duckworth, a coauthor and assistant professor in WSU’s human development department. “Research like this can assist universities in pinpointing areas where interventions can be developed and implemented to mitigate binge drinking.”
The researchers suggest that parenting programs focused on establishing clear guidelines, supporting children’s decision-making, and openly discussing the risks of binge drinking could have a positive impact. They specifically cite the Letting Go and Staying Connected program, developed at WSU and now implemented at nine other Washington universities, as a valuable resource for parent education.
“Risk factors vary across different groups,” Duckworth emphasizes. “Parental permissiveness is a risk factor that can be relatively easily addressed. It’s vital to help parents consider what it means to be less permissive regarding alcohol use. when parents engage in conversations with their children about the dangers of binge drinking and set clear expectations, it can substantially influence their behavior. Parents continue to exert a powerful influence even after their children leave home.”
The study also cautions against well-intentioned efforts to promote “safe” drinking, as these can inadvertently signal acceptance of binge drinking. Morrison explains, “Parents might believe allowing teens to drink at home in a controlled setting is safer, but it communicates approval of alcohol use. Research consistently shows that students tend to drink less when their parents are less approving of alcohol consumption.”
The research team included members from WSU, the Innovia Foundation, and the University of Washington.
Source: washington State University: https://news.wsu.edu/news/2025/12/03/before-the-party-starts-parental-attitudes-linked-to-college-binge-drinking/
