Sociology
Role Overload and Prescription Stimulant Use among College Students
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Sociology
Start Date
11-4-2014 8:30 AM
End Date
11-4-2014 10:30 AM
Sponsor
Katherine Novak (Butler University)
Description
Previous research has found that prescription stimulant use on college campuses has increased in recent years although estimates of the actual amount of stimulant use vary. Studies have found that the motives for stimulant abuse also varied with some individuals indicating they used prescription stimulants for academic purposes while others used them to get high. The student role today includes many different aspects including academic, organizational, and social roles. For many students, these demands can cause strain on the individual. Those who experience difficulty in fulfilling these obligations are said to experience role strain. One type of role strain is role overload, which occurs when people feel that they do not feel like that they have the time or emotional capability to adequately fulfill their role. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between role overload and prescription stimulant use among Butler students. Data was collected using a 49 question survey administered to 200 students in several classrooms at Butler. The questionnaire contained questions on the student role, role overload, illicit drug use, prescription stimulant use, and demographic questions. The student role was measured by asking respondents the amount of time they spent in various activities included in the student role. Role overload was measured using an adapted version of an index created by Reilly (1982) to measure role overload among working mothers. Students were asked to indicate the extent to which they agree with statements about feelings of being overwhelmed and having adequate time to complete their daily tasks. Prescription stimulant use was measured by asking respondents whether or not they used certain prescription stimulants. Respondents were also asked frequency of use, motives for use, and how they acquired prescription stimulants. It is expected that students who experience role overload have a higher likelihood of abusing prescription stimulants.
Role Overload and Prescription Stimulant Use among College Students
Indianapolis, IN
Previous research has found that prescription stimulant use on college campuses has increased in recent years although estimates of the actual amount of stimulant use vary. Studies have found that the motives for stimulant abuse also varied with some individuals indicating they used prescription stimulants for academic purposes while others used them to get high. The student role today includes many different aspects including academic, organizational, and social roles. For many students, these demands can cause strain on the individual. Those who experience difficulty in fulfilling these obligations are said to experience role strain. One type of role strain is role overload, which occurs when people feel that they do not feel like that they have the time or emotional capability to adequately fulfill their role. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between role overload and prescription stimulant use among Butler students. Data was collected using a 49 question survey administered to 200 students in several classrooms at Butler. The questionnaire contained questions on the student role, role overload, illicit drug use, prescription stimulant use, and demographic questions. The student role was measured by asking respondents the amount of time they spent in various activities included in the student role. Role overload was measured using an adapted version of an index created by Reilly (1982) to measure role overload among working mothers. Students were asked to indicate the extent to which they agree with statements about feelings of being overwhelmed and having adequate time to complete their daily tasks. Prescription stimulant use was measured by asking respondents whether or not they used certain prescription stimulants. Respondents were also asked frequency of use, motives for use, and how they acquired prescription stimulants. It is expected that students who experience role overload have a higher likelihood of abusing prescription stimulants.