Optimizing Brief Interventions

Brief interventions for substance use are generally delivered as comprehensive programs which contain multiple therapeutic components (e.g. readiness to change assessments, goal setting exercises, identifying triggers, etc.).  Notably however, few studies have focused on “optimization,” or the process of “dismantling” brief interventions to determine which individual components drive effects. Ongoing work in our lab attempts to do this by separating the effects of individual intervention components, such the use of empathy, the use of motivational interviewing techniques, narrator gender, and narrator self-disclosure. The overarching goal of this research is to develop streamlined interventions that are both efficient and powerful.

Improving Alcohol Interventions through Self Talk Videos

Although they are widely used, the effects of brief alcohol interventions are small and inconsistent, and there is a clear need for studies designed to increase their efficacy.  Ongoing research in our lab tests the degree to which an innovative ‘self-talk video exercise’ can improve the effectiveness of brief alcohol interventions. During the video exercise, participants record a message to their future selves, describing their reasons for wanting to reduce alcohol use, and their commitment to change. The video message is then sent to them several weeks later.  The goal of the research is to develop a low cost and highly pragmatic way to boost brief intervention efficacy.

Delivering Substance Use Interventions through Social Media

84% of 18- to 29-year-olds and 98% of college students use some form of social media. This near universal use of social media among young adults, coupled with its ability to host engaging and flexible content, makes these sites ideal platforms for young adult substance use interventions. Our lab is currently developing and testing social media-based interventions targeting tobacco use and binge drinking, using both Instagram and YouTube content. 

Exploring the Effects of Ethnicity on Perceptions of Substance Users

Rates of alcohol use vary by ethnicity, and there are pronounced cultural differences in the degree to which alcohol is accepted. However, despite these cultural differences, few studies have examined (1) how ethnicity affects our perceptions of alcohol users or (2) how the ethnicity of the alcohol user affects the way they are perceived. Ongoing research in our lab addresses these questions by using vignette studies in which participants provide their impressions of alcohol users who vary in ethnicity, drinking level, and gender.