NCJ Number
217594
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: 2006 Pages: 233-246
Date Published
2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the separate and collective influence of motivational interviewing (MI) and feedback among 122 college binge drinkers.
Abstract
Results indicated that at the 8-week follow-up, all groups reduced their alcohol consumption, peak Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), drinking consequences, and dependence symptoms. The presence of the MI did not seem to influence any outcome measure for males or females. Females in the groups that received feedback reduced their alcohol-related consequences and dependence symptoms compared to females that did not receive feedback. While females exhibited an effect of the feedback consequences and dependence symptoms, there was no impact of MI on any outcome measure. The effectiveness of the feedback appeared to be its ability to produce harm reduction efforts rather than reduced alcohol consumption. This type of harm reduction focus may be the key to reducing binge drinking among college students. Participants were 122 heavy-drinking students who were recruited from psychology courses at a large southwestern university. Participants completed baseline assessments and were then randomized into one of five conditions: (1) MI with feedback; (2) MI plus mailed feedback; (3) mailed feedback only; (4) MI only; or (5) assessment-only control. Two months following baseline assessments, participants completed identical measures and were individually interviewed about their past 2-month frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption. Statistical analyses were completed to examine the impact of the five conditions on drinking behavior. Future research should include a larger number of participants, longer follow-up periods, and the use of other MI formats to determine the optimal conditions under which feedback works best and the specific feedback components that are most effective. Table, references