An application of deviance regulation theory to reduce alcohol-related problems among college women during spring break.

Abstract

Spring break (SB) can lead to heavy episodic drinking and increased alcohol-related risks. This may be especially relevant for women. The current study utilized deviance regulation theory to increase the use of protective behavioral strategies (PBSs) among female college students on SB. Female college students going on SB (n = 62) completed a screening, a pre-SB intervention (where they were randomly assigned to receive either a positively or negatively framed message about individuals who do or do not use PBS), and a post-SB assessment that provided alcohol and PBS use data for each day of SB (n = 620 person-days). Data were analyzed using a multilevel structural equation model. In the negative frame, SB PBS use was higher among those who perceived SB PBS norms to be more common on SB relative to non-SB. In the positive frame, SB PBS use was higher among those who perceived SB PBS norms to be less common on SB relative to non-SB. These associations did not result in lower alcohol consumption, but did result in a lower likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related problems during SB. These results suggest that a brief online intervention, that utilizes targeted messages based on normative perceptions of SB PBS use, could be an effective strategy for reducing alcohol-related consequences among college student women during SB. (PsycINFO Database Record

A randomized control trial of a deviance regulation theory intervention to increase alcohol protective strategies.

“…Thus, the current study sought to evaluate the association between PBS use, alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems as a function of perceived frequency of PBS use in the context of positive information about individuals that use PBS or negative information about individuals that do not. This approach is consistent with DRT, and has been shown to modify PBS use and subsequently substance use-related outcomes (Dvorak, Kramer, et al, 2018; Dvorak et al, 2017; Dvorak et al, 2015; Dvorak, Raeder, et al, 2018; Sargent et al, 2018). The results suggest that the intervention has DRT consistent effects on PBS use, though limited, if any, direct effects on alcohol use and related problems.…”

“…This study examined the effects of a brief Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT) intervention on PBS use among college student drinkers. Previous research has shown that PBS use may mitigate alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems (Barnett et al, 2007; Dvorak et al, 2017; Dvorak et al, 2016; Dvorak et al, 2015; Larimer et al, 2007; Martens et al, 2007; Martens et al, 2011; Pearson, 2013). However, interventions specifically targeting PBS have had mixed results (see LaBrie et al, 2015; Martens et al, 2013; Sugarman & Carey, 2009).…”

“…The sum of this measure for each week was used as a measure of weekly alcohol consumption in the analysis. The DDQ-M has been used effectively as a measure of college student drinking (Dvorak et al, 2014; Dvorak, Simons, & Wray, 2011) as well as a weekly measure of consumption in the context of DRT-based interventions (Dvorak et al, 2017; Dvorak et al, 2015; Sargent et al, 2018).…”

“…Although a number of brief interventions have demonstrated a significant relationship between increased PBS use and decreased alcohol consumption and/or problems (Barnett, Murphy, Colby, & Monti, 2007; Dvorak, Kramer, Stevenson, Sargent, & Kilwein, 2017; Dvorak, Pearson, Neighbors, Martens, & Stevenson, 2016; Dvorak, Pearson, Neighbors, & Martens, 2015; Larimer et al, 2007; Martens et al, 2007), the evidence is not monolithic; indeed, several stand-alone PBS interventions have had limited effects. Martens, Smith, and Murphy (2013) found a PBS norms feedback (PBSF) intervention to be less effective than a personalized alcohol norms feedback (PNF) intervention in reducing alcohol consumption, though PBSF was more effective at increasing PBS use.…”

“…In a series of recent pilot studies, Dvorak and colleagues utilized a DRT-based approach to modify PBS use norms, increase PBS use, strengthen the association between PBS use intentions and actual PBS use, decrease alcohol use, decrease alcohol-related problems, and decrease intentions to use marijuana (Dvorak, Kramer, & Stevenson, 2018; Dvorak et al, 2017; Dvorak et al, 2016; Dvorak et al, 2015; Dvorak, Raeder, et al, 2018; Sargent et al, 2018). In the alcohol PBS studies, college students are randomly assigned to receive positive messages about individuals who use PBS or negative messages about individuals who do not use PBS.…”