Socioeconomic Status VS. Substance use
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Sociology
Minor
Social and Behavioral Sciences
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Nititham
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
This paper examines how socioeconomic status can influence an individual's use of drugs and alcohol. Focusing mainly on how individuals with a lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk than those with a higher socioeconomic status. This study shows how factors such as limited education, being unemployed, poverty, and those with high stress levels contribute to the use of substances as a coping mechanism. Using the General Social Survey (GSS) with quantitative and qualitative interviews helps investigate why those with lower socioeconomic status may feel the need to use substances. The research looked into 2021 GSS data with education as the independent variable and self-reported substances as the dependent variable, and the controlling variable was mental health. By understanding the reason why lower SES is at a high risk for substance abuse, we can then further prevent this in the future.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Political Science and Sociology Department Panel
Socioeconomic Status VS. Substance use
This paper examines how socioeconomic status can influence an individual's use of drugs and alcohol. Focusing mainly on how individuals with a lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk than those with a higher socioeconomic status. This study shows how factors such as limited education, being unemployed, poverty, and those with high stress levels contribute to the use of substances as a coping mechanism. Using the General Social Survey (GSS) with quantitative and qualitative interviews helps investigate why those with lower socioeconomic status may feel the need to use substances. The research looked into 2021 GSS data with education as the independent variable and self-reported substances as the dependent variable, and the controlling variable was mental health. By understanding the reason why lower SES is at a high risk for substance abuse, we can then further prevent this in the future.