Using Social Norms to Reduce High-Risk Drinking Among College Student-Athletes


H. Wesley Perkins, Ph.D., Dept. of Anthropology/Sociology
David W. Craig, Ph.D., Dept. of Chemistry

Hobart & William Smith Colleges


Abstract

This workshop presents a 2005 U.S. Department of Education model program to reduce student-athletes' harmful misperceptions of peer drinking norms, promote academic engagement, and reduce high-risk drinking and its consequences. Two year intervention outcomes include: 1) 46% reduction in drinking more than once per week, 2) 34% reduction in experiencing frequent negative consequences due to drinking, and 3) an average 2.5 hours per week increase in academic activities. Strategies include print/electronic media, peer workshops, and a web-based survey assessment to promote accurate healthy norms.