Motivating Campus Change Project Pilot Study

This study builds upon the latest alcohol intervention literature to develop and test the next wave of personalized feedback interventions (PFIs) to address harmful alcohol use among college students. The purpose of this research is to determine optimal configuration of PFIs to take advantage of the clarity and initial impact of single-component PFIs and greater effect size and duration of personalized multi-component PFIs. The Investigators seek to increase and evaluate engagement with the PFI and text-message materials and boost innovation of both content and process of the intervention. In addition to PFI content and delivery, the investigators will use qualitative and quantitative methods to determine personal relevance of the chosen high-risk events among a sample of students who engage in heavy episodic drinking to better understand duration of PFI effects impacted by fluctuations in drinking associated with high-risk events. Prior interventions have targeted drinking in general or a single high-risk drinking event (e.g., Spring Break), but have not targeted both general and event-specific drinking together. These enhanced intervention effects, could have a significant impact on risks associated with college student drinking, and can be rapidly disseminated and implemented on campuses nationwide to address the public health problem posed by heavy episodic drinking among college students.

This study conducts a screening/baseline assessment to collect quantitative data on high risk drinking situations and related norms and screens participants for eligibility for the Pilot Feasibility Study. The purpose of the Pilot Feasibility Study is to test the feasibility of sending participants web-based personalized feedback targeting their general drinking behavior in a single dose (Simultaneous) versus broken up into 4 components administered one week apart (Sequential) with half of participants in each group also being randomly selected to receive a text message booster component targeting drinking during their upcoming birthday celebration.

Inclusion criteria

• birthday that falls withing summer/ fall 2018 assessment window
• at least 1 heavy episodic drinking episode in the past month
• at least 3 negative alcohol related consequences on Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index/ Young Adult Alcohol Problems Screening Test in the past 3 months
• intend to consume alcohol over the week of their birthday
• Indicate they own a cell phone with text message capabilities and consent to receiving text messages

Exclusion criteria

• Doesn't meet inclusion criteria
• Unwillingness to participate
• Failure to provide consent