WOOP as a Brief Alcohol Intervention Led by Lay Coaches in College Settings

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Bibliographic Details
Title: WOOP as a Brief Alcohol Intervention Led by Lay Coaches in College Settings
Language: English
Authors: Sandra Wittleder (ORCID 0000-0003-2108-404X), Brianna Bhoopsingh (ORCID 0009-0002-0359-5452), Peter M. Gollwitzer (ORCID 0000-0003-4872-2929), Melanie Jay, Elizabeth Mutter, Tim Valshtein, Gina Angelotti, Gabriele Oettingen
Source: Health Education & Behavior. 2025 52(3):299-308.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Lay People, Coaching (Performance), Intervention, Help Seeking, Alcohol Abuse, Imagery, Behavior Change, College Students, Health Behavior, Outcomes of Treatment, Student Attitudes
DOI: 10.1177/10901981241310216
ISSN: 1090-1981
1552-6127
Abstract: Heavy drinking is a major public health concern, particularly among young adults who often experience fear of being stigmatized when seeking help for alcohol-related problems. To address drinking concerns outside clinical settings, we tested the feasibility of a novel imagery-based behavior change strategy led by student lay interventionists in a college setting. Participants were adults recruited on a college campus and were randomized to either learn the four steps of WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan) or to learn a format-matched Sham WOOP (Wish, Outcome, "Outcome," and Plan). Both WOOP and Sham WOOP interventions were taught by student lay interventionist. We found that the WOOP intervention group reported fewer heavy drinking days ([greater than or equal to] 5 drinks for men or [greater than or equal to] 4 drinks for women, measured using the Alcohol Timeline Follow-Back Method) compared to the Sham group at the 1-month and 2-month follow-ups. WOOP, when taught by student lay interventionists in a single session, demonstrated the feasibility of reducing heavy drinking. WOOP shows promise as a low-cost and scalable intervention for reducing heavy drinking in nonclinical settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1471020
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Heavy drinking is a major public health concern, particularly among young adults who often experience fear of being stigmatized when seeking help for alcohol-related problems. To address drinking concerns outside clinical settings, we tested the feasibility of a novel imagery-based behavior change strategy led by student lay interventionists in a college setting. Participants were adults recruited on a college campus and were randomized to either learn the four steps of WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan) or to learn a format-matched Sham WOOP (Wish, Outcome, "Outcome," and Plan). Both WOOP and Sham WOOP interventions were taught by student lay interventionist. We found that the WOOP intervention group reported fewer heavy drinking days ([greater than or equal to] 5 drinks for men or [greater than or equal to] 4 drinks for women, measured using the Alcohol Timeline Follow-Back Method) compared to the Sham group at the 1-month and 2-month follow-ups. WOOP, when taught by student lay interventionists in a single session, demonstrated the feasibility of reducing heavy drinking. WOOP shows promise as a low-cost and scalable intervention for reducing heavy drinking in nonclinical settings.
ISSN:1090-1981
1552-6127
DOI:10.1177/10901981241310216