The importance of keeping regular: accurate guidance to the public on low-risk drinking levels

Aim The aim of this study was to argue that recommendations to the general public on daily amounts for low-risk alcohol consumption must retain the word ‘regular’ in order to avoid being rejected. Method Narrative review of the evidence-base for daily limits to alcohol consumption, the guidance the public actually receives in the UK and media reactions to this guidance. Results Evidence for daily limits (not more than 3–4 units for men and 2–3 units for women) rests on epidemiological surveys that enquire about ‘average’ or ‘usual’ amounts of consumption and this is reflected by the use of ‘regular’ or ‘consistent’ in the UK Government's Sensible Drinking report in 1995 and in guidance currently issued by the English Department of Health. In contrast, guidance the public actually receives often omits the word ‘regular’ and implies that the limits in question are maximum daily amounts. Media reactions to this inaccurate information suggest that the general public is likely to find these recommendations incredible and to reject them. Conclusion If guidance to the public on daily drinking amounts is to stand any chance of being credible and effective, it must be accurate and must therefore retain the word ‘regular’

Reducing Friday alcohol consumption among moderate, women drinkers: evaluation of a brief evidence-based intervention

Aims: A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a brief research-based intervention designed to promote drinking within recommended limits on Fridays and Saturdays among moderate drinkers. Methods: The two-page, leaflet-like intervention included persuasive communication targeting motivational and volitional antecedents of behaviour as specified by an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and implementation intention theory. Participants were randomly allocated to a control group (TPB questionnaire only) or to a group receiving the TPB questionnaire plus leaflet-like intervention. Cognitions and drinking behaviour were measured immediately before the intervention and at 8-weeks follow-up. The pre-intervention questionnaire was distributed to 573 participants of whom 347 (61%) responded at follow-up. Results: Significantly greater reduction in risky drinking on Fridays was observed among women (but not men) in the intervention group at 8-weeks follow-up. No other post-intervention differences were found. Conclusions: A low-cost, readily-produced, written intervention focusing on recommended daily limits reduced risky drinking amongst women on Fridays. Further work on similar interventions is warranted

Peer-group and price influence students drinking along with planned behaviour

This article is available open access through the publisher’s website at the link below. Copyright @ 2008 The Authors.Aims: To examine the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), as a framework for explaining binge drinking among young adults. Methods: One hundred and seventy-eight students in a cross-sectional design study completed self-report questionnaires examining attitudes to drinking, intention to drink and drinking behaviour in university. Binge drinking was defined for females (and males) as consuming ‘four (males—five) or more pints of beer/glasses of wine/measures of spirits’ in a single session. Results: Drinking alcohol was common; 39.6% of males and 35.9% of females reported binge drinking. The TPB explained 7% of the variance in intention to drink. Overall, 43% of the variance in intention, 83% of the variance in total weekly consumption and 44% of the variance in binge drinking was explained. The frequency of drinking and the drinking behaviour of friends significantly predicted intention to drink and binge drinking, respectively. Binge drinkers were influenced by peers and social-situational factors. Pressure to drink was greater for males; undergraduates were influenced by the size of the drinking group, ‘special offer’ prices, and the availability of alcohol. Conclusions: The TPB appeared to be a weak predictor of student drinking but this may be a result of how constructs were measured. With friends’ drinking behaviour emerging as a significant predictor of alcohol consumption, interventions seeking to reduce excessive drinking should target the role of peers and the university environment in which drinking occurs

Sensory imagery in craving: From cognitive psychology to new treatments for addiction

Sensory imagery is a powerful tool for inducing craving because it is a key component of the cognitive system that underpins human motivation. The role of sensory imagery in motivation is explained by Elaborated Intrusion (EI) theory. Imagery plays an important role in motivation because it conveys the emotional qualities of the desired event, mimicking anticipated pleasure or relief, and continual elaboration of the imagery ensures that the target stays in mind. We argue that craving is a conscious state, intervening between unconscious triggers and consumption, and summarise evidence that interfering with sensory imagery can weaken cravings. We argue that treatments for addiction can be enhanced by the application of EI theory to maintain motivation, and assist in the management of craving in high-risk situations

A longitudinal investigation of customer cooperation in services: The role of appraisal of cooperation behaviors

The customer cooperation level in behavior change programs (e.g., weight‐loss programs, alcohol‐quitting programs, and debt management programs) is low, which leads to a low program success rate. To address this problem, this study draws on the goal‐driven behavior theory and develops a theoretical framework to explain how goal intention, and behavioral appraisal processes influence the subsequent cooperation behaviors, which, in turn, influence customers’ goal attainment. A two‐wave longitudinal survey was used to test the theoretical model. Results show that customers’ appraisals of the cooperation behaviors play a vital role in influencing customers’ cooperation behaviors. Three appraisal factors (self‐efficacy, instrumental belief, and affect toward cooperation behaviors) fully mediate the relationship between goal intention and cooperation. Customer cooperation contributes directly to goal attainment. Both theoretical and managerial implications are provided

Are attitudes towards medication adherence associated with medication adherence behaviours among patients with psychosis? A systematic review and meta analysis

Background Studies have shown patient attitudes to be an important predictor for health related behaviours including medication adherence. It is less clear whether patient attitudes are also associated with medication adherence among patients with psychoses. Method We conducted a systematic review and meta analysis of the data of studies that tested the association of attitude measures with medication adherence among patients with psychoses. 14 studies conducted between 1980 and 2010 were included. Results Results show a small to moderate mean weighted effect size (r + = 0.25 and 0.26 for Pearson and Spearman correlations, respectively). Conclusions Theory based interventions that target potentially modifiable attitude components are needed to assess the relationship between positive patient attitudes and adherence behaviours among patients with psychoses

Combining motivational and volitional approaches to reducing excessive alcohol consumption in pre-drinkers: A theory-based intervention protocol

Background: Pre-drinking refers to the consumption of alcohol at home or a private residence prior to attending a subsequent social event. We present the study protocol of an online theory-based intervention to reduce pre-drinking and related harm in pre-drinking undergraduates, using behavior change techniques targeting the motivational and volitional phases of behaviour. Design: A fully randomized 2 (autonomy support: present vs. absent) x 2 (implementation intention: present vs. absent) between-participants design will be used to ascertain the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing pre-drinking alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. Participants will complete a range of theory-based measures prior to being allocated to one of the four experimental conditions. Four weeks later, participants will complete a follow-up questionnaire comprised of theoretical and behavioral measures. Analyses: The main and interactive effects of the intervention components in reducing our primary dependent variables, namely, pre-drinking alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm at four-week follow-up will be tested. Baseline alcohol consumption and demographic information will be included in the analysis as covariates. Discussion: This online intervention is the first to be developed to reduce pre-drinking alcohol consumption, a behaviour linked to increased risk of alcohol-related harm. The intervention targets motivational and volitional components of the behaviour change process and is therefore likely to lead to greater reductions in pre-drinking alcohol consumption and experience of alcohol-related harm compared to either approach in isolation. If successful, the intervention can be implemented across various contexts and in populations where pre-drinking is prevalent. © 2016 Caudwell et al

Risky single-occasion drinking amongst young people--definition, correlates, policy, and intervention: a broad overview of research findings.

Risky single-occasion drinking (RSOD) has dire consequences upon health and well-being including unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, crime, and car accidents. The prevalence of RSOD among young people is alarming. Despite this, as yet, a review of existing literature on RSOD amongst young people is lacking. This article will provide an overview of this area of research focusing on the definition of RSOD, its prevalence among young people, health and behavioural effects of RSOD, the perceived risk of RSOD among young people, and interventions to reduce RSOD in young people. In addition, recommendations are made for health educators interested in reducing the incidence of RSOD in young people

Exploring attitude and belief correlates of adhering to the new guidelines for low-risk single-occasion drinking: an application of the theory of planned behaviour

The present study explores the correlates of adhering to the recent low-risk single-occasion drinking (LRSOD) guidelines. This was achieved by exploring key beliefs and attitudes underlying adherence to these guidelines within the framework of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Female students (n = 173) provided information about their LRSOD and beliefs and attitudes pertaining to LRSOD. Analyses of the resultant data showed the TPB to be significantly predictive of LRSOD, accounting for 27% of the variance, with normative beliefs, behavioural beliefs, and attitude emerging as significant predictors in the regression analysis. The implications of the study findings are discussed in terms of the current utility of the LRSOD limits for reducing alcohol-related harm