Assessment of College Students' Perceptions and Knowledge of Alcohol Before and After Risk-Reducing Drinking Presentation.

Presenter Information

Katie Woloszyk, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 255

Start Date

28-4-2009 9:00 AM

End Date

28-4-2009 11:00 AM

Student's Major

Psychology

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Emily Stark

Mentor's Department

Psychology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

College binge drinking has contributed to an increasing health concern (Kypri & Langley, 2003). This study examines whether or not college students overestimate their peers drinking behaviors and whether or not the students retain the information provided in a Health PRC's presentation aimed for educating students' about alcohol. Professors at Minnesota State University-Mankato sent in a request for a Health PRC's presentation in the classroom. Students enrolled in class are presented with a survey before a Health PRC's presentation and then approximately one week later complete a post-survey. Previous research has found that college students who believe their peers consume more alcohol are more likely to follow those perceived drinking norms (Perkins & Berkowitz, 1986). It is predicted that college students' misperceptions of college drinking behavior will become more accurate after the Health PRC's presentation focusing on reducing risky behaviors related to alcohol.