Evaluation of a single-session expectancy challenge intervention to reduce alcohol use among college students

    Authors

    C. Lau-Barraco;M. E. Dunn

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Psychol. Addict. Behav.

    Keywords

    alcohol; college; drinking; expectancy; expectancy challenge; ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL-CHILDREN; YOUNG HEAVY DRINKERS; ADOLESCENT DRINKING; BINGE-DRINKING; MEMORY; RISK; QUESTIONNAIRE; CONSUMPTION; BEHAVIOR; PROGRAM; Substance Abuse; Psychology, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    In this study, the authors developed and evaluated a single-session experiential expectancy challenge (EC) intervention, seeking to reduce alcohol use by changing key positive expectancies among moderate to heavy drinking male and female college students. Participants (N = 217) were randomly assigned to attend a 90- to 120-min EC session, CD-ROM alcohol education, or assessment only. Participants were assessed at pretest, posuest, and 1-month follow-up. Exposure to the EC intervention led to significant decreases in alcohol expectancies and subsequent alcohol consumption in both genders at follow-up. No significant changes were evident in either control condition. This study is the first to effectively decrease expectancies and drinking in college students with a single-session EC intervention. Further, although several studies have demonstrated the utility of the intervention with men, it is the first to do so with women. This study represents a critical step in the process of translating an innovative, theory-based intervention into a more practical format that makes it more accessible to those who seek effective drinking-reduction strategies for college campuses.

    Journal Title

    Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

    Volume

    22

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2008

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    168

    Last Page

    175

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000256563300002

    ISSN

    0893-164X

    Share

    COinS