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HOW FAR!
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How Far? is…

A brief (12 minute) Web-based video. It is a PEER DRIVEN, REAL-LIFE SNAPSHOT into college life from the STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE.

This video shows real college students talking about their choices associated with balancing academics, social life, relationships and life goals. It uses social norming messages based on the National College Health Assessment data (American College Health Association) to promote change.

IT IS DESIGNED FOR USE WITH HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE TRANSITION INITIATIVES SUCH AS:

• first year college programs
• high school seniors
• parents of college students or high school seniors

THE GOALS OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO:

• reduce misperceptions regarding alcohol related norms
• increase self-efficacy to make positive choices
• increase the use of protective factors associated with alcohol use.

The web video is password protected and available to high schools and colleges. A facilitator's guide and sample pre/post/follow-up tests are included with purchase. Updates with statistical revisions using National College Health Assessment data will be available upon notice.

What is Social Norming?

Social norming theory uses strategies to dispel the myths associated with alcohol use and help students to join the majority to reduce the risk caused by alcohol use. This research based method effectively guides students to pattern their behavior after the "accurate norm" of abstinence or low to moderate use, versus the prevalent perception that "everyone drinks large amounts all the time." Only 10.4% of high school seniors accurately perceive the norms related to drinking (Perkins and Craig, 2005).

Social norms theory suggests that by correcting such misperceptions (i.e., by reducing overestimations of the prevalence of a particular behavior), problematic and/or dangerous behavior will decline.

Did You Know?

• Approximately 93% of students do not allow alcohol to negatively impact academics
• Approximately 60% of students have 0-4 drinks if they party
• Approximately 67% of students choose not to drive at all after drinking, even after one drink
• Approximately 75% use a designated driver if they choose to drink
• Approximately 64% of students keep track of how much they drink

American College Health Association. American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) Web Summary. Updated Spring 2006. Available at http://www.acha-ncha.org/pubs_rtps.html.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE PENN STATE ALTOONA HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER www.altoona.psu.edu/healthwellness, 814-949-5540

Sponsors: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, The Pennsylvania State University, The Pennsylvania State University Commission for Substance Abuse Prevention.