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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2008 Jun;22(2):176-85.
doi: 10.1037/0893-164X.22.2.176.

21st birthday celebratory drinking: evaluation of a personalized normative feedback card intervention

Melissa A Lewis  1 , Clayton Neighbors, Christine M Lee, Laura Oster-Aaland
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

21st birthday celebratory drinking: evaluation of a personalized normative feedback card intervention

Melissa A Lewis et al. Psychol Addict Behav. 2008 Jun.

Abstract

This research was designed to evaluate a personalized normative feedback birthday card intervention aimed at reducing normative perceptions, alcohol consumption, and negative consequences associated with 21st birthday celebrations among college students (N=281; 59.15% women). Students were randomly assigned to receive or not receive a birthday card about 1 week prior to their 21st birthday. Approximately 1 week following their birthday, students were asked to complete a brief survey concerning their birthday celebration activities. Findings indicated that the birthday card intervention was not successful at reducing drinking or consequences; however, the card did reduce normative misperceptions. Additional findings indicated that many students experienced negative consequences, such as passing out or driving after consuming alcohol. Combined, these findings suggest that prevention is needed for drinking associated with turning 21. However, prevention efforts should consist of more than a birthday card.

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