Personalized Integrated Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention among College Students

The overarching goal of this R01 is to test the efficacy of a behavioral intervention for alcohol and violence among college students. Tailored and personalized interventions are needed for alcohol and violence to address the unique needs of college students. The Positive Change program was developed by the research team with an NIAAA-funded planning grant (R34) and is the only intervention that targets both alcohol and violence in an integrated manner. Positive Change provides tailored content on alcohol use and violence using a social norms and personalized feedback approach. Usability testing and findings from a randomized controlled pilot feasibility trial suggest usability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy and warrant rigorous randomized controlled trial testing. Positive Change is delivered in a brief, web-based format, and although short-term outcomes are promising, more effort is needed to ensure long-term efficacy. Therefore, the current study includes an assessment of Positive Change as well as an innovative assessment of a 6-month booster (Positive Change+Booster) session to determine the most effective way to disseminate Positive Change to colleges nationwide if found to be effective. The current study includes the following aims: 1a) to test the efficacy of Positive Change and Positive Change+Booster among college students in reducing alcohol use and violence both short- and long-term among college students; 1b) Test the relative efficacy of a booster session on long-term alcohol use and violence outcomes; and 2) Investigate the mechanisms through which Positive Change conditions impact alcohol use and violence. Outcomes will be assessed at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-intervention. By accomplishing these aims, we will assess the efficacy of Positive Change, a promising intervention developed by the research team. Positive Change has the potential to reduce alcohol use among young adults as well as reduce college violence, addressing NIAAA and public health priorities. Modified