Purpose in Life, Moral Reasoning, and College Students' Drinking Behaviors

• In Event: Methods and Behaviors in Moral Education

Abstract

This study aims to examine college students’ purpose in life and moral reasoning for their drinking behaviors (i.e., binge drinking and alcohol use) from the first year to the fourth year in colleges in the United States. Using Wabash National Study of Liberal Art Education (WNS) and multilevel growth modeling, we found that the development of purpose in life and moral reasoning had a consistent association with the decreasing trend of drinking behaviors in the sample. The maturity of purpose in life and moral reasoning both plays unique and often interactive roles in reducing the issues of drinking behaviors. Thus, college student health might be bolstered by helping them establish appropriate purpose and moral commitments.

Authors

• Weilin Chen, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Yun Wen Chan, Texas State University