The Role of Theory in Predicting and Reducing Heavy Episodic Drinking

Abstract

Consuming large amounts of alcohol on single occasions, or engaging in heavy episodic drinking, increases the risk of experiencing short-term injuries and long-term diseases. Social cognition theories offer a means of investigating and understanding this health-risk behaviour, and computers offer an accessible and appealing medium through which to conduct this investigation. In this thesis, a multi-method approach was used to examine the applicability of social cognition theories to understanding heavy episodic drinking within the computerised context. A meta-analysis of computer-delivered interventions for reducing heavy episodic drinking demonstrated that utilising theories did not improve intervention outcomes compared to use of no theory. This result was extended within two experimental manipulations of theoretical constructs. In both studies, experimental groups fared no better than control groups in terms of changes in theoretical constructs or heavy episodic drinking. Further, across two predictive analyses, temporal self-regulation theory significantly predicted heavy episodic drinking behaviour, but offered limited prediction of behaviour change. Together, these results highlight the need to appraise theories within the context of behaviour change, as applications of theories to predicting behaviour do not necessarily provide a good indication of the degree to which they can be used to modify behaviour. Finally, executive function was examined throughout this thesis and, in line with theory, predictive results suggest that it is an important factor in determining the translation of intention and behavioural prepotency into behaviour. Future research can expand upon the current executive function training by exploring factors that increase effectiveness and acceptability. In consideration of the overall findings, methodologies for future research are suggested in order to facilitate theory development and increase understanding of this health-risk behaviour.