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Behavioral economic approaches to reduce college student drinking
James G Murphy1, Christopher J Correia, Nancy P Barnett
1Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA. jgmurphy@memphis.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|June 30, 2007
Summary
Behavioral economics offers new ways to reduce college student heavy drinking by understanding choices related to alcohol price, alternatives, and immediate reward seeking. Strategies focus on increasing alcohol costs and promoting rewarding substance-free activities.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral economics
- Substance use research
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Heavy drinking on college campuses is a significant public health issue requiring innovative solutions.
- Behavioral economics, a field with a long history in drug administration research, is increasingly applied to human substance use.
- Understanding the economic decision-making processes underlying college student drinking is crucial for effective prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the principles of behavioral economics.
- To review the application of behavioral economics to college student drinking behaviors.
- To describe prevention and intervention strategies grounded in behavioral economic theory.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on behavioral economics and college drinking.
- Application of behavioral economic principles to explain drinking decisions.
- Identification of policy and individual-level prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- College student drinking decisions are influenced by the relative price and availability of alcohol versus substance-free alternatives.
- The devaluation of delayed rewards (substance-free activities) in favor of immediate reinforcement (drinking) is a key factor.
- Problem severity can be measured by resource allocation towards alcohol and its relative value compared to other reinforcers.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral economics provides a robust theoretical framework for understanding and addressing college student heavy drinking.
- Interventions should aim to increase the 'price' of alcohol (monetary and behavioral) and enhance the value of alternatives.
- Counteracting the tendency to prioritize immediate rewards is essential for reducing alcohol consumption.
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