Using Behavioral Theories of Choice to Predict Drinking Outcomes Following a Brief Intervention.

Abstract

Behavioral theories of choice predict that substance use is partly a function of the relative value of drugs in relation to other available reinforcers. This study evaluated this hypothesis in the context of predicting drinking outcomes following an alcohol abuse intervention. Participants (N ϭ 54, 69% female, 31% male) were college student heavy drinkers who completed a single-session motivational intervention. Students completed a baseline measure of substance-related and substance-free activity participation and enjoyment. Only women showed a significant reduction in drinking at the 6-month follow-up, and the ratio of substance-related to substance-free reinforcement accounted for unique variance in their drinking outcomes. Women who at baseline derived a smaller proportion of their total reinforcement from substance use showed lower levels of follow-up drinking, even after the authors controlled for baseline drinking level. Male and female participants who reduced their drinking showed increased proportional reinforcement from substance-free activities.

Summer Versus School-Year Alcohol Use Among Mandated College Students

“…Other environmental factors may also infl uence changes in high-risk drinking over the summer. For example, students who live at home over the summer may have more free time and opportunity to enjoy substance-free alternatives to drinking (e.g., family activities, going to the pool or the beach, summer athletics), which may serve as a protective factor among heavy drinkers (Murphy et al, 2005). Regardless, the discrepancy in outcomes based on residence seems to indicate that living with a parent or guardian is effective in eliciting changes in college student drinking.…”

Drug Misuse Among University Students in the UK: Implications for Prevention

“…It has been proposed, for example, that university drug prevention programs might draw on developments in the use of extracurricular activities to bring about behavioural change (Polymerou, 2007). Studies have shown that increases in student activities are associated with decreases in drinking on campus (Murphy, Correia, Colby, & Vuchinich, 2005). Similar programs have been used in schools.…”

The effect of rugby match outcome on spectator aggression and intention to drink alcohol

“…Researchers have found that people who disregard the future and are motivated by immediate rewards (Rahman et al, 2001) are both more aggressive (Manuck et al, 1998) and consume more alcohol (Murphy et al, 2005) relative to controls. Perhaps supporters of winning or drawing teams experience such a disregard for the future; if so, aggression and planned alcohol consumption may not be causally associated but linked by the same underlying cognitive process (see also McMurran, 2003).…”