| Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, Vol. 12, Iss. 2, Apr, 2008, pp. 205-224 @2008 Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology & Life Sciences Cusp Catastrophe Model for Binge Drinking in a College Population Abstract: A cusp catastrophe model for binge drinking behavior was developed
and tested with attitude toward alcohol consumption and peer influence as
the two control parameters. Similar models were also developed for frequency
and quantity of alcohol use. Participants were 1,247 students who completed
the Long Form of the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey. The results were strongest
for the binge drinking criterion (R2 = .90), compared to a linear model (R2 = .34)
that is usually associated with the Theory of Planned Behavior or Theory of
Reasoned Action. The results have numerous implications for the development
of interventions and for future research. Keywords: binge drinking, alcoholism, attitude, peer pressure, cusp catastrophe |