COUNTRY: UNITED STATES
REGION: AMERICAS
Implementer: Loyola Marymount University
Program Overview: This program aimed to assess the effectiveness of using a brief, live, interactive, normative group (BLING) intervention in correcting normative misperceptions among high-risk university student groups.
Program Design: The BLING intervention was administered to three high risk groups: first year students, student athletes, and Greek-affiliated students. First year students were administered the intervention in same sex groups of 30-70 students according to their hall of residence. Student athletes were given the intervention in groups of 50-80 students which included 4-7 athletic teams. Interventions among Greek-affiliated students were conducted during normally scheduled meetings of each participating group, resulting in intervention groups of 40-120 students.
The intervention uses OptionFinder, a polling technology which uses PowerPoint and wireless keyboards. During the intervention each student is given a keyboard which allows them to give answers regarding perceived normative behavior as well as their self-reported personal behavior. This technology allows responses to be logged and automatically used to provide feedback on discrepancies between perceived and actual norms.
Evaluation: All data was collected through the OptionFinder technology.
Key findings1: The data showed that the BLING intervention was effective in correcting misperceptions in normative drinking behavior. Further analyses showed that the intervention was equally effective in all three high-risk groups (first year students, student athletes, and Greek-affiliated students).
References:
1. LaBrie J.W., Hummer J.F., Grant S., Lac A. (2010).Immediate reductions in misperceived social norms among high-risk college student groups. Addictive behaviors, 35(12), 1094-1101.
Target Audience: University/young adults (18-21 years)
Issues: Underage Drinking
Setting: School clubs or community organizations, University
Approach: Social Norms
