Engagement in Addictive Behaviours Among First-Generation University Students: A Scoping Review

Objectives: This study aimed to provide an overview of existing empirical research literature on addictive behaviour engagement among first-generation students (FGS), identify gaps and limitations in the current literature, and propose future research directions. Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that explored FGS’ participation in substance- and non-substance-related addictive behaviours. Results: Seventeen studies were identified, all of which compared FGS to continuing-generation students (CGS). Two studies investigated non-substance-related addictive behaviours—specifically binge eating and overeating, one of which showed no generational differences and the other revealed that female FGS were less likely to report objective binge eating. The other 15 studies examined substance use, all of which measured alcohol consumption and four of which measured non-alcoholic substance use (e.g., cannabis, illicit drugs). Findings were mixed, typically indicating either an absence of generational differences or a lower likelihood of substance use or misuse among FGS. However, evidence suggests that some subgroups, such as male and racial/ethnic minority FGS, may be at greater risk of experiencing substance use-related harms, indicating that FGS could benefit from targeted prevention and harm reduction programming. Conclusion: Research on how students’ generational status relates to addictive behaviour involvement is a small but growing area of research. Several research gaps were identified. There is a need for more studies that assess non-alcoholic substance use and non-substance-related addictive behaviours, include non-American samples, examine FGS without defaulting to comparisons with CGS, employ longitudinal and qualitative designs, and take an intersectional approach to analyses.