Health messaging can be a successful tool in encouraging pro-social behavior, such as bystander intervention in sexual violence situations. This dissertation explored the development of a social media message to encourage bystander intervention among college students using multiple theoretical frameworks: social norms approach and bystander…

College students are at a heightened risk of experiencing depression and anxiety symptomatology and engaging in maladaptive alcohol use. Understanding how alcohol interventions impact emotional functioning is essential. One such intervention uses Deviance Regulation Theory (DRT), which posits that behavior can be modified using targeted messaging…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure college student athletes' nutrition knowledge and behavior before and after a text message-based educational intervention. Participants: Athletes (n = 35) participated by completing a pre- and post-intervention survey. Methods: This survey gathered information on ability to identify carbohydrate…

This study examined the impact of the Positive Behavioral Management Strategies (PBMS) online educational program on 624 participants in the southeastern region of the United States. The PBMS program incorporates established behavioral management principles with new research-based practices to promote healthy, positive relationships between adults…

Objective: The study analyzes e-health message content shared by university health centers and determines college students' engagement with those messages. Method: Using the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) framework, the current study content analyzed the RAA components (target behavior, attitudes/expectancies, social norms, and efficacy) within…

Procedural arrangements of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction often involve presenting the same reinforcers for problem behavior and appropriate behavior, which is typically ineffective at reducing problem behavior and increasing an alternative response. However, manipulating reinforcement dimensions such that…

Objective: College students report high rates of alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences (ARC). Many studies document that protective behavioral strategy (PBS) use is negatively associated with ARC. Few studies examine consequence severity and PBS helpfulness, both of which may provide nuance to this relationship. Participants and…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention among college students with externalizing behaviors and attentional problems. Participants: Three students attending their first year in college received mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention and data were collected…

Objective: This study aims to critically review the characteristics and effectiveness of university-based intervention to promote safer sex practice. Participants and Methods: The published studies were selected from 5 databases with the publication year restricted between 1974 and 2018. The data were then pooled using a random-effect…

This survey-based study examined a social norms campaign promoting mask-wearing among college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. More positive face mask perceptions, greater motivation to wear masks, and greater likelihood to wear masks in public were associated with respondents having seen the campaign messages and believing…

The current study examined the impact of a live, virtual training on the combined topics of affirmative consent and bystander intervention among 1,395 students new to the university in 2022. Student responses on pre-survey and post-training surveys were analyzed to determine if attending the intervention promoted students' ability to understand,…

Objective: The current study tracked attitudinal and behavioral changes related to a campus-wide smoking ban. Participants: Students from 2 colleges in Massachusetts (N = 418; April 2014; N = 640 April 2018). Methods: Surveys tracked students' smoking habits, beliefs about smoking, and attitudes before and four years after the implementation of a…

Virtual reality (VR) places individuals within a simulated experience using an array of visual, auditory, and tactile interfaces. Research suggests VR, which facilitates the rehearsal of actual job duties and performance assessment during training, may improve professional development across a range of disciplines. Although studies incorporating…

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of a harm reduction e-card at increasing protective drinking behaviors and decreasing negative outcomes from consuming alcohol. Participants: Participants were college students who turned 21 years old between January 21, 2016 and September 27, 2017. A total of 1,064 students completed the posttest: 737 from…

The present study explores the use of value-and-etiquette-based reading materials for enhancing language learners' reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. To achieve this, the study employed a "sequential explanatory mixed-methods design." Convenience sampling was used to select 73 B1 level language learners in two intact…