A Preliminary Study Examining Self-Reported Invincibility, Alcohol Problems, and the Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants in College Students

• Author: Gary J. Kennedy,Susan Kennedy,Paula Millin
• DOI: 10.1177/00220426211037267
• Published date: 01 January 2022
• Date: 01 January 2022
• Subject Matter: Articles

Article

Journal of Drug Issues

2022, Vol. 52(1) 3–14

© The Author(s) 2021

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DOI: 10.1177/00220426211037267

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A Preliminary Study Examining

Self-Reported Invincibility,

Alcohol Problems, and the

Nonmedical Use of

Prescription Stimulants in

College Students

Susan Kennedy

1

, Paula Millin

2

, and Gary J. Kennedy

3

Abstract

The nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) is becoming more common among

college students. Identifying the variables associated with NMUPS is important for educational

efforts and to promote wellness in vulnerable students. The present study examined the rela-

tionships between self-reported invincibility, alcohol problems, and NMUPS in 175 college

students. Path analysis tested the hypotheses that males would report higher invincibility tha t

would be related to alcohol use and alcohol problems. Using structural equation modeling,

signif‌icant relationships were found between invincibility and alcohol-related problems. Alcohol

problems may be related to NMUPS. A total effect of invincibility, mediated by alcohol use, may be

a path whereby invincibility positively inf‌luences NMUPS. Students reporting high levels of in-

vincibility may be at risk for the NMUPS and might benef‌it from efforts regarding the potential

harmful consequences of taking these substances without a prescription.

Keywords

self-reported invincibility, college students, prescription stimulants

Introduction

The developmental period of emerging adulthood (18–25 years) is characterized by an in-

creased likelihood of engaging in a number of behaviors with potentially serious consequences

1

Department of Psychology, Denison University, Granville, OH, USA

2

Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, USA

3

Off‌ice of Student Academic Success, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

Corresponding Author:

Susan Kennedy, Department of Psychology, Denison University, Room 404 Knapp Hall, 100 West College Road,

Granville, OH 43023, USA.

Email: kennedys@denison.edu