H. Wesley Perkins, Ph.D.,
Dept. of Anthropology/Sociology,
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
E-mail: perkins@hws.edu
David W. Craig, Ph.D.,
Dept. of Chemistry,
Hobart & William Smith Colleges
E-mail: craig@hws.edu
This session presents an innovative approach to proactive prevention that focuses on changing students' perceptions of peer AOD use and campus culture. National research has clearly linked exaggerated perceptions to higher levels of AOD abuse among students who hold them, but to date, multimedia techniques to reduce misperceptions and evaluation datahave been in short supply (even though mass media advertising to reduce misperceptions has shown promise in reducing this abuse). Based on this theoretical foundation, models will be unveiled for curriculum infusion and AOD prevention. These strategies have been developed and expanded within the last year using electronic communications networks and multimedia platforms. This session will provide a demonstration of online multimedia programs providing proactive information to students in a variety of formats including interconnected student video and data presentations, interactive scripted scenes, and an online multimedia survey instrument. Evaluation data now available on this two year project will be presented.
Haines. M., and S. F. Spear 1996 Changing the Perception of the Norm: A Strategy to Decrease Binge Drinking Among College Students. Journal of American College Health 45:134-140.
Perkins, H. W. 1997 College Student Misperceptions of Alcohol and Other Drug Norms among Peers: Exploring Causes, Consequences and Implications for Prevention Programs." Pp. 177-206 in Designing Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programs in Higher Education: Bringing Theory into Practice. The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, U.S. Department of Education.
Perkins, H. W., and A. D. Berkowitz 1986 Perceiving the community norms of alcohol use among students: Some research implications for campus alcohol education programming. International Journal of the Addictions 21: 961-976.
Perkins, H. W., and H. Wechsler 1996 Variation in Perceived College Drinking Norms and Its Impact on Alcohol Abuse: A Nationwide Study. Journal of Drug Issues 26 :961-974.
Prentice, D. A., and D. T. Miller 1993 Pluralistic ignorance and alcohol use on campus: Some consequences of misperceiving the social norm. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 64:243-256.