Laura Oster-aaland - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Laura Oster-aaland

Research paper thumbnail of Celebration intoxication: an evaluation of 21st birthday alcohol consumption

Journal of American college health : J of ACH

The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among ... more The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among college students in celebrating their 21st birthdays and the impact of a birthday card suggesting moderation. The authors randomly assigned subjects to receive or not receive the card approximately 1 week prior to their birthday. Approximately 1 week after turning 21, the authors sent surveys to all subjects. Results based on 164 returned surveys indicated that 90% consumed alcohol, 75% went to a bar, 61% reached a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal driving limit, and 23% reached a BAC above .25. Results were similar for men and women. Although subjects generally liked the birthday card, it had no impact on their drinking or celebration plans. Findings suggest the need for additional attention focusing on specific alcohol-related events and further development of prevention approaches that are event specific.

Research paper thumbnail of Event- and context-specific normative misperceptions and high-risk drinking: 21st birthday celebrations and football tailgating

Journal of studies on alcohol, 2006

Negative alcohol-related consequences often occur during specific events and in specific contexts... more Negative alcohol-related consequences often occur during specific events and in specific contexts (e.g., 21st birthday celebrations and tailgating parties). A lack of available event- and context-specific interventions suggests the need to better understand factors associated with heavy drinking in these contexts, with an eye toward developing specific interventions. The purpose of this research was to lay the foundation for developing personalized normative feedback interventions for 21st birthday celebratory drinking and tailgating drinking by evaluating whether students overestimate norms in these specific contexts, as they do more generally. Perceived descriptive norms and alcohol consumption were assessed at event- and context-specific levels in two studies. Study 1 included 119 students turning 21 years old who reported their 21st birthday drinking behavior and estimated the typical number of drinks consumed by students celebrating their 21st birthday. Study 2 included 140 und...

Research paper thumbnail of Alcohol poisoning among college students turning 21: do they recognize the symptoms and how do they help?

Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs. Supplement, 2009

The aims of this study were to (1) determine recognition of and self-reported concern regarding a... more The aims of this study were to (1) determine recognition of and self-reported concern regarding alcohol poisoning symptoms versus other alcohol-related behaviors among students turning 21 years old, (2) assess the frequency of helping behavior among students in situations where peers display alcohol poisoning symptoms, (3) assess sources from which students seek help, and (4) consider reasons why students report reluctance to seek help. Students (N = 306; 50% male) completed a Web-based self-report assessment during the week before their 21 st birthday focusing on drinking behavior, alcohol-related consequences, concern for symptoms of alcohol poisoning, and observations of and experience with helping behavior. Results indicated most students report having helped another student with symptoms of alcohol poisoning and show concern about the symptoms. Students most often seek help from other students and parents. When students do not help their peers, it is most often because of the p...

Research paper thumbnail of The roles of negative affect and coping motives in the relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among college students

Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 2008

Although studies have consistently indicated that among college students alcohol use and the like... more Although studies have consistently indicated that among college students alcohol use and the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related problems are related, it is possible that additional factors strengthen the magnitude of this relationship. The purpose of the present study was to assess the moderating effect of two such factors: negative affect and coping drinking motives. Data were collected on 316 college students at a midsized, public university in the upper Midwest who reported using alcohol. Findings indicated that both negative affect and coping drinking motives moderated the alcohol use-alcohol problems relationship. The three-way interaction indicated that the strongest relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related problems existed for individuals high in both negative affect and coping drinking motives. This study suggests that college students high in negative affect and coping drinking motives are particularly at risk for experiencing problems as a result of the...

Research paper thumbnail of 21st birthday celebratory drinking: Evaluation of a personalized normative feedback card intervention

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2008

This research was designed to evaluate a personalized normative feedback birthday card interventi... more This research was designed to evaluate a personalized normative feedback birthday card intervention aimed at reducing normative perceptions, alcohol consumption, and negative consequences associated with 21st birthday celebrations among college students (N = 281; 59.15% women). Students were randomly assigned to receive or not receive a birthday card about 1 week prior to their 21st birthday. Approximately 1 week following their birthday, students were asked to complete a brief survey concerning their birthday celebration activities. Findings indicated that the birthday card intervention was not successful at reducing drinking or consequences; however, the card did reduce normative misperceptions. Additional findings indicated that many students experienced negative consequences, such as passing out or driving after consuming alcohol. Combined, these findings suggest that prevention is needed for drinking associated with turning 21. However, prevention efforts should consist of more than a birthday card.

Research paper thumbnail of Fitting in and feeling fine: Conformity and coping motives as mediators of the relationship between social anxiety and problematic drinking

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2008

The present research was conducted to clarify the relationships among social anxiety, alcohol con... more The present research was conducted to clarify the relationships among social anxiety, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and negative-reinforcement drinking motives among college students. Heavy drinking students (N ϭ 316, 53.80% female) completed self-report measures of social anxiety, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and drinking motives. Findings indicated that students higher in social anxiety consumed less alcohol but experienced more negative consequences. Moreover, the relationship between social anxiety and negative consequences was mediated by coping and conformity drinking motives in addition to alcohol consumption. In the context of social anxiety, the current research demonstrates the importance of examining problematic drinking as distinct constructs: alcohol consumption and negative consequences. Findings are also discussed in terms of implications for interventions with socially anxious students.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of a Tailgating Policy on Students' Drinking Behavior and Perceptions

Journal of American College Health, 2007

In the fall of 2004, a midwestern public university changed its tailgating policy from one that d... more In the fall of 2004, a midwestern public university changed its tailgating policy from one that did not allow alcohol consumption to one that did. The authors surveyed students before and after the policy change to measure consumption, problems, perceptions of peer consumption, and reported game attendance. Results showed no change in drinking quantities or prevalence of problems after the policy change; however, there was an increase in students' misperceptions, with students overestimating drinking quantities and the number of students who drank while tailgating. Last, students' predictions about their game attendance if alcohol was allowed were higher than their reported attendance after the policy change. Conclusions suggest that although drinking quantities may not be influenced by policies at tailgating events, misperceptions may be influenced. Administrators should note that the policy did not affect students' self-reported game attendance.

Research paper thumbnail of Response to the Reaction to "Celebration Intoxication: An Evaluation of 21st Birthday Alcohol Consumption

Journal of American College Health, 2006

The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among ... more The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among college students in celebrating their 21st birthdays and the impact of a birthday card suggesting moderation. The authors randomly assigned subjects to receive or not receive the card approximately 1 week prior to their birthday. Approximately 1 week after turning 21, the authors sent surveys to all subjects. Results based on 164 returned surveys indicated that 90% consumed alcohol, 75% went to a bar, 61% reached a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal driving limit, and 23% reached a BAC above .25. Results were similar for men and women. Although subjects generally liked the birthday card, it had no impact on their drinking or celebration plans. Findings suggest the need for additional attention focusing on specific alcohol-related events and further development of prevention approaches that are event specific.

Research paper thumbnail of The status of service learning in departments of communication: a follow‐up study

Communication Education, 2004

While service learning in communication appears to be gaining in acceptance, few previous empiric... more While service learning in communication appears to be gaining in acceptance, few previous empirical studies examine changes in its availability and implementation over time. The present study compared a 1995 (Sellnow & Oster, 1997) and a 2001 survey of department ...

Research paper thumbnail of Is it really just one night of fun? The relationship between 21 st birthday celebratory drinking and general negative consequences

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this research was to: 1. examine rates of 21st birthday drinki... more ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this research was to: 1. examine rates of 21st birthday drinking, 2. identify the prevalence of consequences associated with 21st birthday drinking, and 3. evaluate how 21st birthday drinking and consequences relate to drinking problems more generally. This research fills a critical gap in understanding where 21st birthday drinking falls on the spectrum of being a relatively harmless night of fun to being an important public health concern. Method: Approximately one week prior to their 21st birthday, 162 students (male 50%) completed measures of general alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems via a Web-based survey. Following their birthday, students completed measures of 21st birthday drinking and consequences. Results: Findings indicated that students consumed on average 10.14 (SD = 6.23) drinks on their birthday and 19.62 (SD = 13.87) drinks over the course of their birthday week. Birthday drinking (i.e., birthday consumption, weekly birthday consumption, and frequency of weekly birthday consumption) was associated with negative consequences experienced over the birthday week (r = .30 - .52, p

Research paper thumbnail of Examining the relationship between typical drinking behavior and 21st birthday drinking behavior among college students: implications for event-specific prevention

Addiction, 2009

Aims-The purpose of this research was to: (i) compare 21st birthday drinking with typical drinkin... more Aims-The purpose of this research was to: (i) compare 21st birthday drinking with typical drinking; (ii) assess the prevalence of negative consequences and risk behaviors experienced during the 21st birthday week; and (iii) examine the role of typical drinking and 21st birthday drinking in explaining 21st birthday week negative consequences and risk behaviors.

Research paper thumbnail of Indicated prevention for incoming freshmen: Personalized normative feedback and high-risk drinking

Addictive Behaviors, 2007

This research evaluated the efficacy of a computerized, freshmen-specific personalized normative ... more This research evaluated the efficacy of a computerized, freshmen-specific personalized normative feedback (PNF) intervention on reducing alcohol consumption among high-risk drinking freshmen. Students (N = 316; 53.8% female) completed measures of perceived drinking norms and drinking behavior. After completing the baseline assessment, students were randomly assigned to receive either freshmen-specific PNF that was gender-specific or gender-neutral, or to assessment only control. Findings demonstrated that students exhibited normative misperceptions for typical freshmen drinking behavior and that perceptions of typical same-sex freshmen drinking were positively associated with riskier drinking behavior. At follow-up, students randomly assigned to receive PNF reduced perceptions of typical freshmen drinking behavior and personal drinking behavior relative to those who did not receive PNF. Findings extend previous evaluations of computer-based PNF and suggest that computer-based PNF for incoming freshmen using utilizing freshmen-specific norms that are gender-specific may constitute a promising prevention strategy.

Research paper thumbnail of Celebration intoxication: an evaluation of 21st birthday alcohol consumption

Journal of American college health : J of ACH

The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among ... more The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among college students in celebrating their 21st birthdays and the impact of a birthday card suggesting moderation. The authors randomly assigned subjects to receive or not receive the card approximately 1 week prior to their birthday. Approximately 1 week after turning 21, the authors sent surveys to all subjects. Results based on 164 returned surveys indicated that 90% consumed alcohol, 75% went to a bar, 61% reached a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal driving limit, and 23% reached a BAC above .25. Results were similar for men and women. Although subjects generally liked the birthday card, it had no impact on their drinking or celebration plans. Findings suggest the need for additional attention focusing on specific alcohol-related events and further development of prevention approaches that are event specific.

Research paper thumbnail of Event- and context-specific normative misperceptions and high-risk drinking: 21st birthday celebrations and football tailgating

Journal of studies on alcohol, 2006

Negative alcohol-related consequences often occur during specific events and in specific contexts... more Negative alcohol-related consequences often occur during specific events and in specific contexts (e.g., 21st birthday celebrations and tailgating parties). A lack of available event- and context-specific interventions suggests the need to better understand factors associated with heavy drinking in these contexts, with an eye toward developing specific interventions. The purpose of this research was to lay the foundation for developing personalized normative feedback interventions for 21st birthday celebratory drinking and tailgating drinking by evaluating whether students overestimate norms in these specific contexts, as they do more generally. Perceived descriptive norms and alcohol consumption were assessed at event- and context-specific levels in two studies. Study 1 included 119 students turning 21 years old who reported their 21st birthday drinking behavior and estimated the typical number of drinks consumed by students celebrating their 21st birthday. Study 2 included 140 und...

Research paper thumbnail of Alcohol poisoning among college students turning 21: do they recognize the symptoms and how do they help?

Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs. Supplement, 2009

The aims of this study were to (1) determine recognition of and self-reported concern regarding a... more The aims of this study were to (1) determine recognition of and self-reported concern regarding alcohol poisoning symptoms versus other alcohol-related behaviors among students turning 21 years old, (2) assess the frequency of helping behavior among students in situations where peers display alcohol poisoning symptoms, (3) assess sources from which students seek help, and (4) consider reasons why students report reluctance to seek help. Students (N = 306; 50% male) completed a Web-based self-report assessment during the week before their 21 st birthday focusing on drinking behavior, alcohol-related consequences, concern for symptoms of alcohol poisoning, and observations of and experience with helping behavior. Results indicated most students report having helped another student with symptoms of alcohol poisoning and show concern about the symptoms. Students most often seek help from other students and parents. When students do not help their peers, it is most often because of the p...

Research paper thumbnail of The roles of negative affect and coping motives in the relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among college students

Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, 2008

Although studies have consistently indicated that among college students alcohol use and the like... more Although studies have consistently indicated that among college students alcohol use and the likelihood of experiencing alcohol-related problems are related, it is possible that additional factors strengthen the magnitude of this relationship. The purpose of the present study was to assess the moderating effect of two such factors: negative affect and coping drinking motives. Data were collected on 316 college students at a midsized, public university in the upper Midwest who reported using alcohol. Findings indicated that both negative affect and coping drinking motives moderated the alcohol use-alcohol problems relationship. The three-way interaction indicated that the strongest relationship between alcohol use and alcohol-related problems existed for individuals high in both negative affect and coping drinking motives. This study suggests that college students high in negative affect and coping drinking motives are particularly at risk for experiencing problems as a result of the...

Research paper thumbnail of 21st birthday celebratory drinking: Evaluation of a personalized normative feedback card intervention

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2008

This research was designed to evaluate a personalized normative feedback birthday card interventi... more This research was designed to evaluate a personalized normative feedback birthday card intervention aimed at reducing normative perceptions, alcohol consumption, and negative consequences associated with 21st birthday celebrations among college students (N = 281; 59.15% women). Students were randomly assigned to receive or not receive a birthday card about 1 week prior to their 21st birthday. Approximately 1 week following their birthday, students were asked to complete a brief survey concerning their birthday celebration activities. Findings indicated that the birthday card intervention was not successful at reducing drinking or consequences; however, the card did reduce normative misperceptions. Additional findings indicated that many students experienced negative consequences, such as passing out or driving after consuming alcohol. Combined, these findings suggest that prevention is needed for drinking associated with turning 21. However, prevention efforts should consist of more than a birthday card.

Research paper thumbnail of Fitting in and feeling fine: Conformity and coping motives as mediators of the relationship between social anxiety and problematic drinking

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2008

The present research was conducted to clarify the relationships among social anxiety, alcohol con... more The present research was conducted to clarify the relationships among social anxiety, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and negative-reinforcement drinking motives among college students. Heavy drinking students (N ϭ 316, 53.80% female) completed self-report measures of social anxiety, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and drinking motives. Findings indicated that students higher in social anxiety consumed less alcohol but experienced more negative consequences. Moreover, the relationship between social anxiety and negative consequences was mediated by coping and conformity drinking motives in addition to alcohol consumption. In the context of social anxiety, the current research demonstrates the importance of examining problematic drinking as distinct constructs: alcohol consumption and negative consequences. Findings are also discussed in terms of implications for interventions with socially anxious students.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of a Tailgating Policy on Students' Drinking Behavior and Perceptions

Journal of American College Health, 2007

In the fall of 2004, a midwestern public university changed its tailgating policy from one that d... more In the fall of 2004, a midwestern public university changed its tailgating policy from one that did not allow alcohol consumption to one that did. The authors surveyed students before and after the policy change to measure consumption, problems, perceptions of peer consumption, and reported game attendance. Results showed no change in drinking quantities or prevalence of problems after the policy change; however, there was an increase in students' misperceptions, with students overestimating drinking quantities and the number of students who drank while tailgating. Last, students' predictions about their game attendance if alcohol was allowed were higher than their reported attendance after the policy change. Conclusions suggest that although drinking quantities may not be influenced by policies at tailgating events, misperceptions may be influenced. Administrators should note that the policy did not affect students' self-reported game attendance.

Research paper thumbnail of Response to the Reaction to "Celebration Intoxication: An Evaluation of 21st Birthday Alcohol Consumption

Journal of American College Health, 2006

The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among ... more The authors designed this study to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of heavy drinking among college students in celebrating their 21st birthdays and the impact of a birthday card suggesting moderation. The authors randomly assigned subjects to receive or not receive the card approximately 1 week prior to their birthday. Approximately 1 week after turning 21, the authors sent surveys to all subjects. Results based on 164 returned surveys indicated that 90% consumed alcohol, 75% went to a bar, 61% reached a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal driving limit, and 23% reached a BAC above .25. Results were similar for men and women. Although subjects generally liked the birthday card, it had no impact on their drinking or celebration plans. Findings suggest the need for additional attention focusing on specific alcohol-related events and further development of prevention approaches that are event specific.

Research paper thumbnail of The status of service learning in departments of communication: a follow‐up study

Communication Education, 2004

While service learning in communication appears to be gaining in acceptance, few previous empiric... more While service learning in communication appears to be gaining in acceptance, few previous empirical studies examine changes in its availability and implementation over time. The present study compared a 1995 (Sellnow & Oster, 1997) and a 2001 survey of department ...

Research paper thumbnail of Is it really just one night of fun? The relationship between 21 st birthday celebratory drinking and general negative consequences

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this research was to: 1. examine rates of 21st birthday drinki... more ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this research was to: 1. examine rates of 21st birthday drinking, 2. identify the prevalence of consequences associated with 21st birthday drinking, and 3. evaluate how 21st birthday drinking and consequences relate to drinking problems more generally. This research fills a critical gap in understanding where 21st birthday drinking falls on the spectrum of being a relatively harmless night of fun to being an important public health concern. Method: Approximately one week prior to their 21st birthday, 162 students (male 50%) completed measures of general alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems via a Web-based survey. Following their birthday, students completed measures of 21st birthday drinking and consequences. Results: Findings indicated that students consumed on average 10.14 (SD = 6.23) drinks on their birthday and 19.62 (SD = 13.87) drinks over the course of their birthday week. Birthday drinking (i.e., birthday consumption, weekly birthday consumption, and frequency of weekly birthday consumption) was associated with negative consequences experienced over the birthday week (r = .30 - .52, p

Research paper thumbnail of Examining the relationship between typical drinking behavior and 21st birthday drinking behavior among college students: implications for event-specific prevention

Addiction, 2009

Aims-The purpose of this research was to: (i) compare 21st birthday drinking with typical drinkin... more Aims-The purpose of this research was to: (i) compare 21st birthday drinking with typical drinking; (ii) assess the prevalence of negative consequences and risk behaviors experienced during the 21st birthday week; and (iii) examine the role of typical drinking and 21st birthday drinking in explaining 21st birthday week negative consequences and risk behaviors.

Research paper thumbnail of Indicated prevention for incoming freshmen: Personalized normative feedback and high-risk drinking

Addictive Behaviors, 2007

This research evaluated the efficacy of a computerized, freshmen-specific personalized normative ... more This research evaluated the efficacy of a computerized, freshmen-specific personalized normative feedback (PNF) intervention on reducing alcohol consumption among high-risk drinking freshmen. Students (N = 316; 53.8% female) completed measures of perceived drinking norms and drinking behavior. After completing the baseline assessment, students were randomly assigned to receive either freshmen-specific PNF that was gender-specific or gender-neutral, or to assessment only control. Findings demonstrated that students exhibited normative misperceptions for typical freshmen drinking behavior and that perceptions of typical same-sex freshmen drinking were positively associated with riskier drinking behavior. At follow-up, students randomly assigned to receive PNF reduced perceptions of typical freshmen drinking behavior and personal drinking behavior relative to those who did not receive PNF. Findings extend previous evaluations of computer-based PNF and suggest that computer-based PNF for incoming freshmen using utilizing freshmen-specific norms that are gender-specific may constitute a promising prevention strategy.