RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENERGY DRINK CONSUMPTION AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between energy drink consumption, reasons for drinking energy drinks, and perceived stress. This study combined the use of an energy drink consumption survey and the revised university student hassles scale (RUSHS) to study the relationship between energy drinks and perceived stress. Four hundred forty-nine university students participated in this study. An energy drink questionnaire containing 21 questions and the RUSHS containing 57 hassle items were used to explore the relationship between energy drinks and stress. The results of this study did not support a relationship between energy drink consumption and stress as measured by level of perceived hassles. However, there were differences in energy drink consumption and hassle scores based on demographic characteristics. The most common reasons reported for consuming energy drinks were energy, sleep, and tired. There were no significant differences found for perceived stress between energy drink consumers and non-consumers.