The role of hope in engaging in healthy behaviors among college students

Am J Health Behav. 2011 Jul;35(4):402-15. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.35.4.3.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine hope in relation to alcohol use, binge drinking, smoking, exercise, and limiting of dietary fat among college students.

Methods: Undergraduate students (N=2265) completed an online survey.

Results: Lower hope scores were related to binge drinking and smoking in the past month and more frequent drinking and binge drinking, controlling for sociodemographics. Higher hope scores were related to greater likelihood of and more frequent exercising and fat limitation in the past month.

Conclusions: Interventions to improve college student health behaviors should target hope.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Emotions*
  • Ethanol / poisoning
  • Exercise / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Surveys / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Students / psychology*
  • Universities*

Substances

  • Ethanol