Diane E. Logan

Use of drinking protective behavioral strategies in association to sex-related alcohol negative consequences: the mediating role of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol use has been implicated as a risk factor for sexual negative consequences, such as unprotected sexual intercourse. The present research was conducted to examine the relationship between drinking protective behavioral strategies and consensual sex-related alcohol negative consequences, and whether this relationship varied by gender. Additionally, typical number of drinks during sexual behavior was evaluated as a potential mediator of this association. Heavy drinking, sexually active college students (N = 297, 50.2% women) completed self-report measures of drinking protective behavioral strategies, alcohol consumption, and sex-related alcohol negative consequences. Findings indicated that women who used drinking protective behavioral strategies more frequently were less likely to experience sex-related alcohol negative consequences whereas this relationship was not significant for men. For women, this relationship was mediated by the typical number of drinks consumed during sexual behavior. The current research demonstrates that use of drinking protective behavioral strategies is related to a reduction in womens sex-related risks when drinking. Findings are discussed in terms of alcohol myopia theory. Implications for interventions aimed to reduce higher risk sexual behavior among college students are discussed.

Harm reduction therapy: a practice-friendly review of research†

Harm reduction is an umbrella term for interventions aiming to reduce the problematic effects of behaviors. Although harm reduction was originally and most frequently associated with substance use, it is increasingly being applied to a multitude of other behavioral disorders. This article reviews the state of empirical research on harm reduction practices including alcohol interventions for youth, college students, and a variety of other adult interventions. We also review nicotine replacement and opioid substitution, as well as needle exchanges and safe injection sites for intravenous drug users. Dozens of peer-reviewed controlled trial publications provide support for the effectiveness of harm reduction for a multitude of clients and disorders without indications of iatrogenic effects. Harm reduction interventions provide additional tools for clinicians working with clients who, for whatever reason, may not be ready, willing, or able to pursue full abstinence as a goal.

Examining the Role of Gender in the Relationship Between Use of Condom-Related Protective Behavioral Strategies when Drinking and Alcohol-Related Sexual Behavior

The present research aimed to examine the relationships among gender, condom-related protective behavior strategies (PBS), and condom use during alcohol-related sexual behavior. Heavy drinking, sexually active U.S. undergraduate college students from a large northwest university (N = 454; 61.7% female) completed a web-survey that included measures of drinking, sexual behavior, and condom-related PBS. MANOVA findings suggested that males were more likely to use condom-related PBS than females. Negative binomial regression results suggested that use of condom-related PBS by both genders was positively associated with condom use during alcohol-related sexual behavior, but especially for women. These results suggest that condom-related PBS may be useful to incorporate in interventions targeting alcohol-related sexual behavior among heavy drinking college students.

The Virtuous Drinker: Character Virtues as Correlates and Moderators of College Student Drinking and Consequences

Abstract Objective: The present study examined the relationship between alcohol use and positive psychologys character virtues 1 in a college student sample. Each of the virtues of wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence were examined as protective factors and moderators of drinking consequences. Participants: This sample included 425 undergraduate students at a large Northwest University (69% female; 52% Caucasian, 34% Asian). Methods: Participants completed paper and pencil questionnaires during October and November 2006 in exchange for extra credit in psychology classes. Results: Higher temperance scores were associated with abstinence, lower risk drinking, and fewer consequences among heavy drinkers; both increased justice and transcendence were independently associated with abstinence only; and wisdom, courage, and humanity were not associated with any outcomes. Conclusions: The associations between virtues and college student drinking support a collaboration between addictive behaviors and positive psychology to address college student drinking and minimize consequences.

Reducing the harms of college student drinking: How Alan Marlatt changed approaches, outcomes, and the field

In this article, we discuss Alan Marlatts contributions to the prevention and reduction of alcohol-related harms among college students. We consider Alans early research that later led to the development and evaluation of college student drinking programs, and examine Alans impact, both directly and indirectly through those he mentored and trained, as a scientist-practitioner. We review the recognition of the efficacy of Alans programs, including the Alcohol Skills Training Program and Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students, in addition to extensions of these interventions in more recent studies. Finally, we discuss how Alans work influences interventions with college student drinkers today, and how future directions will continue to be informed by his vision and values.

Relapse Prevention for Return of Pathological Worry in CBT-Treated GAD

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates relapse prevention for return of pathological worry in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-treated Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is distinguished by the presence of uncontrollable worry. For a diagnosis of GAD, one must experience excessive anxiety and difficult-to-control worry regarding a number of events or activities. CBT is considered as effective as pharmacological treatment in reducing symptoms of anxiety and is associated with greater maintenance of treatment gains and greater reductions in comorbid depression. Individuals who meet criteria for GAD are likely to experience either partial or full recovery over time whether treatment is involved. It has been found that poorer outcome predictors of CBT tend to be related to the presence of another axis I disorder, social isolation, and marital tension. It is suggested that adapting a mindful lifestyle for GAD individuals would result in continued improvement over time. It is found that psychoeducation for mindfulness-based CBT includes explanations for worry, its maintenance and consequences, how emotion awareness is relevant and important, and the rationale for the implementation of mindfulness into treatment.

“Seems I’m Not Alone at Being Alone:” Potential Factors Contributing to Drinking Games in the College Setting

Abstract Alcohol use among college students is prevalent and sometimes takes the form of drinking games, in which players are required to drink in accordance with a set of pre-defined rules. Drinking games are typically associated with elevated alcohol consumption and risk to the individual. This perspective piece considers the potential role of social anxiety in motivating participation in drinking games, perceived norms surrounding drinking games (including ways they are portrayed and discussed in popular media), and the role of competitiveness. Implications for skills training-based prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.