| Abstract: | Abstract The present study examines self-regulation variables (goals, feedback, goal commitment, efficacy, discrepancy) within the context of a brief intervention designed to decrease heavy drinking amongst college females. Participants (N= 76) were randomly assigned to one of six between subjects conditions created by crossing goal conditions (no goal, proximal goal, distal goal) with feedback conditions (feedback, no feedback), and were assessed across time on drinking behavior and self-regulation variables. Neither goal setting, feedback, nor the combination of goal setting and feedback were superior to assessment and information in the reduction of heavy drinking. The interaction of efficacy, commitment and discrepancy failed to add to the prediction of future drinking beyond that accounted for by current drinking behavior and the main effects of self-regulation variables in hierarchical regression analyses. Correlational analyses revealed a negative relationship between efficacy and commitment and future drinking behavior. Results are discussed in relation to theory, the college student environment, and the potential limited efficacy of individual level interventions within this environment. |
