Understanding the Psychological and Social Determinants of Drunk
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jessica Swanson
Dr. Robert Carrothers
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 12:50 PM
Abstract
Drunk driving continued to be a major public safety issue, and repeat offenses showed that punishment alone was not always effective. This study examined the psychological and social factors that contributed to drunk driving recidivism among college students, with a focus on impulsivity, risk perception, and peer influence. The goal was to better understand why some individuals continued to drive under the influence even after facing consequences.
Data for this study were collected through a Qualtrics survey completed by 136 college students. The survey included questions about beliefs surrounding recidivism, levels of impulsivity, and experiences with peer pressure. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used to identify patterns, particularly across different class standings.
The results showed that upper-level students tended to report higher impulsivity and more exposure to peer pressure, while also being more likely to believe that drunk driving was a repeated behavior. Most participants also agreed that peer influence played a major role in these decisions.
Overall, the findings suggested that drunk driving could not be addressed through punishment alone, and that prevention efforts should focus more on social influences and decision-making behaviors.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Mackenzie L., "Understanding the Psychological and Social Determinants of Drunk" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 59.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/59
Open Access
Available to all.
Understanding the Psychological and Social Determinants of Drunk
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Drunk driving continued to be a major public safety issue, and repeat offenses showed that punishment alone was not always effective. This study examined the psychological and social factors that contributed to drunk driving recidivism among college students, with a focus on impulsivity, risk perception, and peer influence. The goal was to better understand why some individuals continued to drive under the influence even after facing consequences.
Data for this study were collected through a Qualtrics survey completed by 136 college students. The survey included questions about beliefs surrounding recidivism, levels of impulsivity, and experiences with peer pressure. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used to identify patterns, particularly across different class standings.
The results showed that upper-level students tended to report higher impulsivity and more exposure to peer pressure, while also being more likely to believe that drunk driving was a repeated behavior. Most participants also agreed that peer influence played a major role in these decisions.
Overall, the findings suggested that drunk driving could not be addressed through punishment alone, and that prevention efforts should focus more on social influences and decision-making behaviors.