Running head: MAXIMIZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVENTIONS 1
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Brief Motivational Alcohol
Interventions Among College Students
MAXIMIZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVENTIONS 2
Abstract
Brief Motivational Interventions (BMI’s) have been used by many colleges and institutions
to provide alcohol related education and training using client-centered methodology, with a focus
on risk and harm reduction rather than abstinence from alcohol. Research has previously
demonstrated the efficacy of BMIs in reducing alcohol use and associated problems among college
students (Capone & Wood, 2009). This proposal acknowledges three studies that have tested
additional variables in an effort to increase the effectiveness of the BMI approach and looks to
bring these variables together to in order to fully maximize the value of this type of intervention.
Keywords: brief motivational intervention, college student, individualized content, peer
support, alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol education
MAXIMIZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVENTIONS 3
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Brief Motivational Alcohol
Interventions Among College Students
Drinking has been associated with going to college and seen almost as a rite of passage for
many decades. Most college students would argue that it’s all in good fun and that alcohol isn’t a
bad thing when consumed responsibly. This can be true. The problem arises when the
“responsibly” portion is disregarded or misunderstood. Studies reveal that approximately 40% of
college students admit to drinking heavily at least once every 2 weeks (Tevyaw, Borsari, Colby,
& Monti, 2007) and too often, these instances of binging have been associated with serious
