Enhancing alcohol problem recognition: A self-regulation model for the effects of self-focusing and normative information

Objective: A self-regulation model for predicting alcohol problem recognition among heavy drinking college students (N = 72) was tested. Method: The effects of both self-focusing and normative information concerning alcohol use were assessed in a 2 (self-focusing information: present, absent) x 2 (normative information: present, absent) factorial design. Results: A significant two-way interaction on both a Decisional Balance Measure (DBM) and the Contemplation subscale of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) revealed that relative to a control condition, either type of information presented alone increased negative evaluations of drinking and problem recognition, whereas presenting both types of information together had less effect on negative evaluations and even decreased problem recognition. The interaction obtained with DBM scores was further qualified by a three-way interaction that limited this pattern to participants scoring higher on self-deception. The same interactive pattern of self-focusing by normative information on problem recognition approached statistical significance on the Precontemplation subscale. Finally, a thinking-aloud procedure employed to obtain immediate reactions to the presentation of experimental information offered corroborative results, with the joint presentation of self-focusing and normative information triggering the most defensive reactions. Conclusions: Results and their clinical implications are discussed in terms of a self-regulation model for problem recognition.