Author ORCID Identifier:

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7377-5538

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Health, Sport and Exercise Science (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Hammig, Bart

Committee Member

Jones, Ches

Second Committee Member

Calleja, Paul

Third Committee Member

Davis, Robert

Keywords

college students; developmental assets; emerging adulthood; health risk behaviors; resistance; restraint

Abstract

Abstract Background: Although developmental assets are well established as protective factors during childhood and adolescence, less is known about their role during emerging adulthood, a period when the prevalence of several types of risk behaviors peak. For the U.S. college student, campus can provide ideal conditions for supporting the extended transition to adulthood. However, that same environment may increase exposure to health risk behaviors. This study examined associations between developmental assets and the risk-related restraint and resistance orientations involving sexual activity, alcohol, and illicit drugs among emerging adult college students. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample (n = 197) of undergraduate students. Data were collected using the College Assets Measurement Profile for Undergraduate Students (CAMPUS). Individual developmental assets and the global assets score were screened using univariate ordinary least squares regression models with false discovery rate adjustment. Assets meeting the significance threshold of q < .05 and an explanatory contribution of at least R2 ≥ .10 were retained for multivariate modeling using backward elimination procedures. Model robustness was confirmed via sampling stability analyses. Results: The global assets score demonstrated significant associations with each risk-behavior domain in univariate analyses but did not retain unique explanatory value when evaluated in multivariate models (all p > .35). Instead, three assets emerged in the final models as the primary explanatory variables: Peaceful Conflict Resolution (Asset #36), Honesty (Asset #29), and Positive View of Personal Future (Asset #40). These specific internal assets demonstrated significant standardized associations (beta ranging from 0.15 to 0.47, p < .05) across sexual activity, alcohol, and illicit drug models. Conclusions: Findings suggest that specific internal assets may be more strongly associated with sexual and substance-related restraint and resistance orientations among emerging adulthood college students than cumulative asset presence alone. These assets may function collectively as regulatory competencies—interpersonal, values-based, and future-oriented—in high-pressure social contexts in which risk behaviors commonly occur. Results provide insight into the associations between developmental assets and emerging adult college students’ risk-related restraint and resistance orientations and inform institutional decision-makers in prioritizing resources related to risk behavior prevention efforts.

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