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Published on: January 5, 2018
Live interactive group-specific normative feedback reduces misperceptions and drinking in college students: a
Joseph W LaBrie1, Justin F Hummer, Clayton Neighbors
1Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA. jlabrie@lmu.edu
Summary
This study shows a brief alcohol intervention effectively reduced college students' drinking and corrected misperceptions of group norms. The intervention used technology to provide immediate feedback on perceived versus actual alcohol behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Intervention Science
Background:
- College students often hold misperceptions of alcohol-related group norms.
- These misperceptions can contribute to excessive alcohol consumption.
- Interventions are needed to address these normative misperceptions and reduce drinking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a live, interactive, group-specific normative feedback intervention.
- To determine if the intervention could correct misperceptions of alcohol-related group norms.
- To assess the intervention's impact on college student drinking behavior.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 campus organizations (1,162 students).
- Participants received either a group-specific normative feedback intervention or were in an assessment-only control group.
- Data were collected in vivo using computerized handheld keypads, with immediate graphical feedback on perceived versus actual group norms.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significant reductions in drinking behavior compared to the control group at 1- and 2-month follow-ups.
- Misperceptions of group norms were also significantly reduced in the intervention group.
- Changes in perceived norms mediated the observed reductions in drinking behavior.
Conclusions:
- A novel, technologically advanced, group-based intervention effectively reduced college student drinking.
- The intervention's success was linked to correcting misperceptions of group norms.
- This brief intervention is cost-effective and suitable for implementation with entire groups.
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