Presenter: Patrick Glang
Faculty Mentor: Jake Mahon
Presentation Type: Poster 15
Primary Research Area: Social Science
Major: Psychology
College students who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual are more likely to use substances (Cochran, Ackerman, Mays, & Ross, 2004). Few studies have assessed both substance use and perceived risk of substance use in specific sexual orientation and gender identity groups. This study examined (1) the rates of substance use and (2) associated perceived risk of substance use among male, female, and transgender sexual minority students. A web-based survey assessing substance use, sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived risk of substance use was administered to students from the University of Oregon (UO). A total of 5928 students (27% of UO population) responded to the 180-item survey. Over 9% of students identified as a sexual minority (n = 536) and 2.5% of students identified as a gender minority (n = 194). Group differences are discussed across sexual orientation and gender identity subsamples, as well as correlates associated with student substance use. Implications of this study point to potential higher risk of substance use and abuse among college students who identify as sexual and gender minorities. More research is needed to isolate causal risk factors for substance use issues within student subpopulations, and to better understand the relationship between gender, sexual orientation, and substance use.