title: Self-affirmation, intentions and alcohol consumption in students: a randomized exploratory trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study tests whether enhancing alcohol risk messages with self-affirmation, the process of focusing on cherished aspects of oneself, increases intentions to reduce alcohol consumption and reduces actual alcohol consumption. It was also examined whether these effects differed by risk status as indicated by standard drinks consumed in an average week.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 121) were randomly allocated to a self-affirmation or matched control condition before viewing emotive graphic alcohol warning posters in a questionnaire-based study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significant increases in intentions to reduce alcohol consumption in self-affirmed participants, and these effects were stronger in participants with higher behavioural risk. Intentions in turn significantly predicted a reduction in self-reported alcohol consumption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings support the use of self-affirmation to enhance alcohol awareness campaigns, particularly in individuals with high behavioural risk.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 30, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia.
authors.forename: Jenn L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Alexandra C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Jessica K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Phair
authors.forename: Josh N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Westland
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schüz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult