A pilot mindfulness intervention to reduce heavy episodic drinking

Cotter, Elizabeth W.; Hawthorne, David J.; Gerker, Colin; Norman, Marianne; Fotang, Jenny P.

doi:10.1002/jocc.12184

Cited by 6Substance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesMindfulness and Compassion InterventionsReligion, Spirituality, and Psychology

A pilot mindfulness intervention to reduce heavy episodic drinking

Cotter, Elizabeth W., Hawthorne, David J., Gerker, Colin, Norman, Marianne, Fotang, Jenny P.·2021·Journal of College Counseling

DOI 10.1002/jocc.12184

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Abstract

Approximately one third of college students report heavy episodic drinking (HED; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019), defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men on a single occasion. This mixed‐methods study examined the feasibility of a mindfulness intervention intended to reduce HED. Thirty‐six students were assigned to either (a) a 4‐week mindfulness intervention or (b) a personalized email. The mindfulness group reported fewer weekend night drinks postintervention. Adaptations that can reduce barriers to attendance will be needed.

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Cotter et al. reported an effect size range of 0.2 to 0.9, indicating a low to high effect of mindfulness intervention on reducing alcohol use among young adults.
“Cotter et al. [42]: This study reports an effect size range of 0.2 to 0.9, indicating a low to high effect of Mindfulness intervention on reducing alcohol use among young adults.”
From Third-Generation Therapies for the Management of Psychoactive Substance Use in Young People: Scoping Review (2024) · cites this paper as [42]

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Authors: Cotter, E. W., Hawthorne, D. J., Gerker, C., Norman, M., & Fotang, J. P.
Affiliations: American University (US)
School of Public Health University of Maryland
University of California, Berkeley (US)
Corresponding author: Cotter, Elizabeth W.
ORCID: Cotter, Elizabeth W.
Hawthorne, David J.
Venue: Journal of College Counseling
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2021-06-30
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Pages: 178-192
ISSN: 1099-0399 (ISSN-L)
2161-1882
DOI: 10.1002/jocc.12184
OpenAlex: W3178416542
Cited by: 6
References: 45
Citations by year: 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1
FWCI: 0.90
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations: Journal of College Counseling (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
Keywords: mindfulness-based interventions, binge drinking, university students, feasibility, weekend drinking

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A pilot mindfulness intervention to reduce heavy episodic drinking

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