A web-based alcohol prevention program called my Playbook focuses on
providing parental support
changing perceptions of social norms
a series of group seminars and individual meetings with counsellors
peer group seminars
a buddy system bringing together drug users and former drug users
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: changing perceptions of social norms.
Explanation (300 words):
The myPlaybook program is a web-based alcohol and drug prevention initiative specifically designed for college student-athletes. Its primary goal is to reduce substance misuse by addressing the inaccurate beliefs that students often hold about their peers’ drinking behaviors. This concept is rooted in the social norms theory, which suggests that individuals’ behavior is influenced by how they perceive the behavior of others around them.
Student-athletes are a unique population that may experience intense social and performance pressures. Research shows that they often overestimate how much their teammates and peers drink, which may lead them to consume more alcohol themselves in an attempt to “fit in.” These misperceptions can contribute to unhealthy drinking patterns, increased risk of injury, poor academic performance, and other negative consequences.
myPlaybook works to correct these misperceptions by providing participants with accurate, research-based feedback about the actual drinking norms among their peers. For instance, students might learn that the majority of their teammates drink moderately or not at all, which can reduce the pressure they feel to engage in heavy drinking.
The program is delivered online, making it accessible and scalable, and it typically includes interactive modules on alcohol use, drug prevention, mental wellness, and other student-relevant topics. However, while these additional modules are valuable, the central and most impactful component is the emphasis on changing students’ perceptions of social norms related to alcohol consumption.
Unlike other prevention strategies that focus solely on education, counseling, or enforcement, myPlaybook’s social norms approach leverages psychological insight into peer influence, making it particularly effective for the college setting.
Thus, of the choices listed, “changing perceptions of social norms” most accurately captures the primary aim and methodology of the myPlaybook program.
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