A Holy Cross psychology professor's research on adolescents and caffeine is gaining attention, and this week was highlighted by the Academic Minute, a nationally-syndicated public radio segment.
Associate Professor Alison Bryant Ludden's research delves into not only the effects of caffeine on teens, but the reasons behind their choices. The why, she argues, is as important as the effects of the drug itself.
"In my focus groups and survey research involving high school students, teens talk about using caffeine in the same way they talk about other substances, like alcohol," Ludden says. "They self medicate using caffeine to get through their day and they use it to help socialize with peers."
Ludden says the language teens use to talk about caffeine can offer warnings about how they will treat other drugs and alcohol later in life.
"(T)he behaviors you form in adolescence stick with you," Ludden says.
The Academic Minute is a production of WAMC, Northeast Public Radio, and features researchers from colleges and universities from across the world, highlighting one scholar's work in their own words each day. It airs on dozens of public radio stations across the country, and is featured on Inside Higher Ed.
Listen to or read the segment at The Academic Minute.
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