Researchers Uncover Links Between Childhood Trauma and Student Drinking

As college students navigate a pivotal phase in their lives, they often grapple with significant challenges, including the risks associated with alcohol use. In light of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from October 19-25, researchers at William & Mary are shedding light on the factors that contribute to alcohol use disorders among students. Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences Adrian Bravo is at the forefront of this research, collaborating with a diverse international team to explore how childhood experiences influence drinking behaviors.

Exploring the Impact of Childhood Experiences

A recent study published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse reveals that adverse childhood experiences significantly correlate with problematic drinking among college students. The research, led by Isabela Ortiz Caso, a William & Mary alumna, highlights that experiences such as domestic conflict, parental alcohol use, and feelings of neglect can profoundly shape an individual’s identity and coping mechanisms.

“Adverse childhood experiences aren’t restricted to the horrible extremes of physical and emotional abuse,” said Bravo. “Seeing parents or siblings constantly argue, growing up with a family member who struggles with an alcohol use disorder or feeling unloved and neglected can also deeply impact someone’s identity and understanding of the world around them.”

While the study does not establish direct causation, it uncovers a chain of correlations linking childhood adversity to ruminative thinking, drinking to cope, and negative alcohol-related consequences. This pattern is not confined to a single geographic or cultural context; the analysis includes data from over 4,000 students across 12 universities in seven countries, including Argentina, England, the United States, and South Africa.

Global Patterns and Implications for Public Health

Ortiz Caso noted that most psychological studies tend to focus on a single demographic, yet their findings suggest that the factors associated with problematic drinking transcend geographical boundaries. “We found the same pattern across seven countries, suggesting that insights from this work could help public health officials shape global harm-reduction strategies,” she explained.

The collaborative effort known as the Cross-Cultural Addictions Study Team (CAST) has become a platform for understanding how individual experiences and personality traits contribute to substance use risks. With a team of 18 researchers from various countries, Bravo emphasized the importance of examining psychological and behavioral factors beyond just the volume of alcohol consumed.

Through multiple studies, Bravo identified three key factors that contribute to increased risk for problematic drinking: impulsivity, poor mental health, and adverse childhood experiences. “Impulsivity often manifests as a sense of urgency, leading individuals to drink in response to both successes and disappointments,” he stated. “For those with poor mental health, especially those who dwell on negative emotions, turning to substances may appear to be the easiest way to cope.”

The third factor, adverse childhood experiences, is the focus of Ortiz Caso’s recent publication. Her findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between risky family environments and negative alcohol-related outcomes, a realization that could inform interventions aimed at addressing alcohol misuse among college students.

“When people drink to cope with negative emotions shaped by early life experiences, it’s a very different motivation than social drinking,” Ortiz Caso said. She believes that understanding these motivations is crucial for policymakers and universities to devise more effective strategies to combat alcohol use disorders.

Both Ortiz Caso and Bravo advocate for universities to enhance support systems for students struggling with alcohol use. This includes providing continuous education and accessible resources. At William & Mary, initiatives such as the Health & Wellness program, which encompasses Campus Recreation, the Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center, aim to promote well-being and mitigate risks associated with substance use.

Additionally, the W&M School of Education offers the New Leaf clinic, part of the Flanagan Counselor Education Clinic, as a resource for students experiencing high-risk substance use. Faculty and staff also have access to the Employee Assistance Program, which provides a range of counseling services.

Bravo emphasizes that universities need to go beyond simply advising students to drink less. “They must provide students who are turning to alcohol or drugs to manage stress with substance-free alternatives, such as meditation, exercise, and counseling,” he said. “These resources can help break the cycle of maladaptive coping and support students in developing healthier habits.”

As the conversation around alcohol use continues during National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, the research conducted by Bravo and Ortiz Caso serves as a vital reminder of the complexities surrounding student drinking and the importance of addressing the underlying factors that contribute to these behaviors.