Perceived Peer Norms Research Articles

Neural Tracking of Perceived Parent, but Not Peer, Norms Is Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Adolescent Attitudes about Externalizing Behaviors.

Adolescents' perceptions of parent and peer norms about externalizing behaviors influence the extent to which they adopt similar attitudes, yet little is known about how the trajectories of perceived parent and peer norms are related to trajectories of personal attitudes across adolescence. Neural development of midline regions implicated in self-other processing may underlie developmental changes in parent and peer influence. Here, we examined whether neural processing of perceived parent and peer norms in midline regions during self-evaluations would be associated with trajectories of personal attitudes about externalizing behaviors. Trajectories of adolescents' perceived parent and peer norms were examined longitudinally with functional neuroimaging (n = 165; ages 11-16 years across three waves; 86 girls, 79 boys; 29.7% White, 21.8% Black, 35.8% Latinx, 12.7% other/multiracial). Behavioral results showed perceived parent norms were less permissive than adolescents' own attitudes about externalizing behaviors, whereas perceived peer norms were more permissive than adolescents' own attitudes, effects that increased from early to middle adolescence. Although younger adolescents reported less permissive attitudes when they spontaneously tracked perceived parent norms in the ventromedial and medial pFCs during self-evaluations, this effect weakened as they aged. No brain-behavior effects were found when tracking perceived peer norms. These findings elucidate how perceived parent and peer norms change in parallel with personal attitudes about externalizing behaviors from early to middle adolescence and underscore the importance of spontaneous neural tracking of perceived parent norms during self-evaluations for buffering permissive personal attitudes, particularly in early adolescence.

Digital social multitasking (DSMT) and digital stress among adolescents: A peer norm perspective

BackgroundDigital stress refers to the stress resulting from persistent use of digital media. Given its major implications for well-being, it is crucial to explore how the use of digital media would contribute to the stress. Drawing on the frameworks of DSMT (i.e., using a digital device during social interactions) and perceived peer norms, we explored whether and how perceived peer norms of DSMT and adolescents’ own DSMT were associated with digital stress. MethodAdolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 were recruited through the Qualtrics survey panels. A total of 2105 adolescents completed a one-time online survey (Mage = 15.39, S.D. = 1.82). ResultsPath analysis revealed that all three self-DSMT variables (level, positive self-perception, negative self-perception) were associated with higher digital stress, with level and negative self-perception having stronger associations than did positive self-perception. Furthermore, peer DSMT level was related to higher digital stress both directly and indirectly through all three self-DSMT variables. Positive peer perception of DSMT was indirectly related to higher digital stress through higher self-DSMT level and more positive self-perception of DSMT, but was related to lower digital stress through reduced negative self-perception of DSMT. Negative peer perception of DSMT contributed to higher digital stress both directly and indirectly by intensifying teens’ own negative perception of DSMT. Judging from the total-paths coefficients, all three peer norm variables were related to higher digital stress, with level having the largest coefficient, followed by negative peer perception and finally positive peer perception of DSMT. Discussion and conclusionAll three perceived peer norms of DSMT (level, positive perception, negative perception) had the potential to increase digital stress directly and/or via impacting teens’ own engagement in and perceptions of DSMT, with perceived peer engagement and negative peer perception being the greater risk factors. At the individual level, a similar pattern emerged—self-DSMT level and negative self-perception had noticeably stronger associations with digital stress than did positive self-perception.

Peer inclusion and school equality norm associations with intergroup contact, and academic self‐efficacy amongst ethnic majority and ethnic minority youth

AbstractSocial norms are important predictors of youth attitudes and behaviours. There is substantial evidence that positive and meaningful intergroup contact supported by inclusive norms can have a range of benefits beyond prejudice reduction. The present research explores whether perceived peer inclusion norms and perceived norms of equality in school are associated with better quality and more frequent intergroup contact and in turn, whether these are associated with better academic self‐efficacy. To test these assertions, we conducted a cross‐sectional survey with ethnic majority and ethnic minority youth aged 11–12 (n = 629, 48% female, 43% minority ethnic) attending one of four ethnically diverse secondary schools in England. In support of our hypotheses, we found that both perceived inclusive peer norms and perceived school equality norms were associated with higher quantity and quality of contact for both ethnic majority and minority group youth. An indirect effect was observed whereby perceived peer norms of inclusion and school norms of equality were associated with higher academic self‐efficacy through higher quality outgroup contact for both groups. No indirect effect was observed for contact quantity. Findings evidence the importance of perceived peer and school equality norms as well as intergroup contact effects for outcomes that go beyond prejudice reduction, in this case academic self‐efficacy.

Peer-aggressive humor and cyberbullying among Chinese and American university students: mediating and moderating roles of frustration and peer norms

ABSTRACT The impact of aggressive humor on workplace dynamics has been extensively examined; however, its implications for university students remain underexplored. Drawing on frustration–aggression theory, this study aims to uncover the consequences of peer-aggressive humor and its relationship with cyberbullying behavior. We employed a 2 (peer aggressive humor: present vs. absent) * 2 (perceived peer norms regarding tolerating aggressive humor: high vs. low) between-subject experimental design and random sampling techniques via Credamo and MTurk to recruit university students from China and the United States as participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 21 PROCESS macros to validate the proposed research model. The results revealed that the effects of peer-aggressive humor are contingent upon students’ perceptions of peer norms. When students perceived a high tolerance for aggressive humor among their peers, they became frustrated after experiencing peer aggressive humor, consequently intensifying their inclination to engage in cyberbullying perpetration. Conversely, when students perceived peer norms of low tolerance for aggressive humor, they were less likely to feel frustrated and less inclined to perpetrate cyberbullying. These findings suggest that educators should consider the potential consequences of peer aggressive humor, emphasizing the role of negative emotions, and guiding the establishment of peer norms. As such, it contributes to the broader understanding of strategies aimed at mitigating cyberbullying incidents among students.

Predicting Factors of Pre-coital and Sexual Behaviors among Thai Muslim Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

Pre-coital and sexual behaviors are precarious and may lead adolescents to face higher rates of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors predicting pre-coital and sexual behaviors amongMuslim adolescents in southernmost Thailand. Seven hundred adolescents were recruited from a vocational college and four schools. Sexual risk behaviors and its related factors questionnaires were employed for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used todescribe the demographic characteristics of the participants; binary and ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the factors explaining sexual risk behaviors. The results indicated that increased age was a predicting factor for higher pre-coital and sexual behaviors. For interpersonal factors, knowledge of sexual risk behaviors was a protective factor, while perceived parent and peer approval of sex and perceived peer norms predicted higher pre-coital and sexual behaviors. More parental monitoring was a protective factor for lower pre-coital behaviors. For environmental factors, cultural norms were a significant protective factor, while neighborhood disorganization predicted higher pre-coital behaviors. In conclusion, age, parental approval of sex, and perceived peer norms were predictors of sexual and pre-coital behaviors. These findings provide useful information for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to develop the intervention with the protective factors and predictors of sexual and pre-coital behaviors. We recommend action research that includes all community stakeholders to develop an intervention to prevent sexual risk behaviors among Muslim adolescents.

COVID-19 Concerns, Coping and Perceived Peer Norms: Correlates of Increased Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among Sexual Minority Women

ABSTRACT This study explored the impact of COVID-related concerns and other characteristics on alcohol and marijuana use among sexual minority women (SMW). Survey data from a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 338 SMW participants in the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women (CHLEW) study were used to examine correlates of three substance use outcomes: frequent intoxication (once a month or more), perceived increase in alcohol use, and perceived increase in marijuana use. Coping motives for alcohol use was positively associated with each of the substance use outcomes. Belief that peers (in terms of age, sexual identity, and gender) used alcohol often to cope was associated with higher odds of frequent intoxication. COVID-19 related financial concerns were positively associated with both frequent intoxication and increased marijuana use. Health and mental health concerns were associated with lower odds of frequent intoxication. Findings underscore the importance of enhancing coping skills, addressing perceived peer coping norms, and providing both economic and social support in intervention efforts.

An eHealth Prevention Program for Substance Use, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Risk Behaviors for Adolescents in Primary Care: Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of Teen Well Check.

Substance use, sexual assault, and sexual risk behaviors are common among adolescents and are interrelated. Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents use substances before sexual encounters, placing these young people at risk for both sexual assault and sexual risk behaviors. Primary care visits present a unique opportunity to address multiple health risk behaviors. Teen Well Check is a web-based integrated prevention program for substance use, sexual assault, and sexual risk behaviors with demonstrated usability and acceptability among patients and providers. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess feasibility. Adolescents (n=123) aged 14 to 18 years from diverse backgrounds were recruited from primarily Medicaid-serving pediatric primary care clinics. Participants completed a baseline survey; were randomized to receive Teen Well Check or an assessment-only control; and completed 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up surveys. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment and retention rates. Preliminary changes from baseline to follow-up periods were examined separately in the Teen Well Check and control conditions. We recruited 123 participants (Teen Well Check: n=61, 49.6%; control: n=62, 50.4%). Of the 61 participants assigned to the Teen Well Check condition, 55 (90%) completed the full program and viewed all intervention content. Of the 123 participants, 105 (85.4%) were retained across at least 1 follow-up period, and there was no difference in follow-up rates between the conditions (χ21=0.6; P=.43). The completion of Teen Well Check took an average of 6.2 (SD 5.8) minutes. Preliminary analyses revealed that there were significant reductions in perceived peer norms (descriptive norms) for substance use before sex across follow-ups among participants in the Teen Well Check condition (P=.001 from baseline to 6 months), whereas there were significant increases among participants in the control condition (P=.003 from baseline to 6 months). In addition, there were nonsignificant reductions in substance misuse risk from baseline to the 6-month follow-up among participants in the Teen Well Check condition (P=.16). These findings support the feasibility of Teen Well Check delivery within pediatric primary care clinics. A randomized clinical trial is needed to assess efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT3489434; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03489434.

Normative Perceptions of Peer Drinking Distinguish High-Intensity Drinkers from Other Drinking Groups

Background : High-intensity drinking (HID), or drinking that doubles the binge threshold (i.e., 8+/10+ drinks for women/men), is associated with more negative consequences than binge-only drinking. However, research focusing on HID and factors that may delineate HID from other drinking behaviors is lacking. The present study evaluated if perceived norms for peer drinking behavior (i.e., descriptive norms for alcohol quantity and frequency and injunctive norms) differentiated high-intensity drinkers from other drinker statuses. Further, we evaluated the role of perceived norms on odds of HID engagement and HID frequency. Finally, college status, sex, and underage drinker status were evaluated as moderators of the association between perceived norms and HID status/frequency. Methods : Participants were 623 emerging adult drinkers recruited via Craigslist (68.7% male; 69.0% White). Participants completed an online survey on their drinking behaviors and related social factors. Results : Each domain of perceived norms positively associated with drinker status. Higher perceived norms were associated with greater odds of HID and predicted HID frequency. The association between quantity and frequency descriptive norms and HID engagement was stronger for nonstudents and was only significant for males. Underage drinker status did not moderate associations between perceived norms and HID engagement. Conclusions : Findings provided evidence that perceptions of peer drinking behaviors are strong indicators of HID risk and may be especially useful for identifying high-intensity drinking males and nonstudents. The utility of perceived peer norms to differentiate this group of particularly risky drinkers suggests that social-influence-focused intervention approaches, including norms correction, may be efficacious in targeting HID among emerging adults.

Pornography Use, Perceived Peer Norms, and Attitudes Toward Women: A Study of College Men

Men’s negative attitudes toward women represent a known risk factor for sexual aggression perpetration. Sexual aggression is a widespread public health concern, especially among emerging adults, and is associated with a multitude of negative consequences. The current study evaluated whether pornography-related perceived peer norms, own approval, and self-reported use are associated with negative attitudes toward women in a sample of college men. Types of pornography examined included pornography (in general); pornography that included portrayals of bondage, whipping, and spanking but without explicit dissent (i.e., pornography that depicted bondage/physical aggression); as well as pornography consisting of sexually explicit rape depictions in which force is used. Self-report measures assessing the frequency of pornography exposure, self-acceptance of pornography use, and perceived peer norms were collected from 283 college men. A multiple linear regression model revealed that only perceived peer norms for acceptance of pornography that depicted rape was positively associated with negative attitudes toward women. Findings highlight the importance of better understanding and addressing perceived peer norms in sexual assault prevention programs for college men.

Did You Help? Intervening During Incidents of Sexual Assault Among College Student Bystanders

Sexual assault continues to plague college campuses despite years of targeted intervention. Recent prevention efforts have focused on the role of bystanders in reducing rates. However, limited work has explored actual intervention behaviors as opposed to intentions to intervene or reasons why individuals might choose not to help. College students (N = 1219; aged 19–62; 66% women) completed an online survey assessing experiences as a bystander witnessing a sexual assault, willingness to intervene, helping behavior, and associated beliefs and attitudes (rape myth attitudes, perceived peer norms, perceived self-efficacy). Fifteen percent witnessed a recent situation that they believed involved sexual assault, and most students (69%) intervened. Lower rape myth endorsement, greater self-efficacy regarding intervening, and greater perceived norms that peers would intervene on behalf of a peer predicted willingness to intervene. A personal history of sexual assault and knowing of another's assault increased the odds of perceiving an assault was underway. Knowing the victim increased the odds of intervening for all groups except men. Reports were compared among students who identified as men, women, heterosexuals, and sexual minorities. This research advances our understanding of how common it is to witness sexual assault, who is willing to intervene, and cognitive–affective barriers to intervention among college students. Specific recommendations for practitioners and educators are provided.

Who Persists and Who Desists? A Prospective Study of Prescription Stimulant Misuse in College Graduates.

Prescription stimulant misuse (PSM) has been studied extensively in college populations, but few studies have examined how PSM changes after graduation. We used a longitudinal design to follow individuals at risk for PSM two years after college graduation to document PSM prevalence, motives, and predictors of PSM persistence. Participants from two small, private colleges completed online surveys focused on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and sociocultural predictors of PSM. Overall, PSM declined over time. Lack of premeditation, perceived peer norms, positive expectancies, media exposure, and other substance use were associated with continued PSM; however, only lack of premeditation, descriptive norms, and other substance use predicted PSM in a multivariate model. This preliminary study suggests dispositional and behavioral risk factors may help to explain why PSM persists after college. Interventions that enhance decision-making skills, correct misperceptions about peers' PSM, and reduce polysubstance use may be effective in curbing PSM in college graduates.

A cross-sectional examination of sexual victimization and heavy episodic drinking among high school students

Sexual victimization is an important risk factor for problematic alcohol use across the lifespan. Heavy episodic drinking (HED) among high school students is associated with numerous negative physical, psychological, and academic outcomes. Whereas previous research has examined the association between a history of sexual victimization and HED in young adult and adult samples, far less research is focused on high school youth. Accordingly, the present study aims to determine the association between history of sexual victimization and HED among high school students (N = 1,844), in the context of individual (i.e., gender, sexual orientation), peer- (i.e., perceived peer norms), and community-level factors (i.e., school connectedness). Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that among girls, lifetime history of sexual victimization, peer engagement in violence, and perceived peer support for violence were positively associated with HED and school connectedness was negatively associated with HED. Among boys, whereas perceived peer support for violence was positively associated with HED, school connectedness was negatively associated with HED. Self-identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual was not associated with HED for girls or boys. Findings elucidate the importance of addressing sexual victimization, perceptions of school connectedness, and perceptions of peer support for violence in the context of substance use prevention programs for youth.

The Effects of Sexual Violence Victimization on Perceived Peer Norms and Social Barriers to Bystander Intervention Among High School Students.

The experience of sexual victimization may lead to increased threat-biased information processing, including increased perceptions of peer attitudes that condone sexual violence. The perception that peers generally condone sexual violence may in turn inhibit survivors of sexual violence from intervening to address risk for harm among their peers. To assess this possibility, the present study examined the direct and indirect association between sexual victimization by a romantic partner, perceived peer rape myth acceptance (RMA), perceived social barriers to bystander intervention, and bystander behaviors over 2-month follow-up in a sample of 843 high school students. Multiple regression path analyses revealed a sequence of positive associations between sexual victimization, perceived peer RMA, and perceived social barriers to bystander intervention, respectively. These direct associations to be significant among girls, but not boys, and revealed an additional negative direct association between perceived social barriers to bystander intervention and bystander behavior over 2-month follow-up among girls. Furthermore, sexual victimization was indirectly associated with decreased bystander behaviors among girls through perceived peer RMA and perceived social barriers to bystander intervention, respectively. Taken together, the current findings highlight the importance of addressing misperceptions of peer norms among survivors of sexual violence in bystander intervention programs.

Comparing Alcohol Use of Pre-COVID-Era and COVID-Era Cohorts of Mandated College Student Drinkers

Studies report mixed findings on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on college student alcohol consumption. However, the impact of pandemic restrictions on students referred to an intervention following a campus alcohol violation has not yet been studied. The current study examined alcohol use behaviors and perceived drinking norms among mandated student cohorts enrolled in the pre-COVID-19 era (fall 2019) and COVID-19 era (fall 2020). Participants (N = 228) completed measures focused on alcohol use and associated behaviors. Analytic models controlled for participant age and entailed negative binomial regressions for count outcomes and analyses of covariance for normally distributed continuous outcomes. COVID-era cohort students reported fewer drinks, pregaming occasions (i.e., drinking before a social occasion such as a sports event), and drinks while pregaming. Frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED) remained consistent between groups; however, the peak number of drinks during HED was significantly lower in the COVID-era group, as were Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores and alcohol-related consequences. Perceived peer norms for frequency and quantity were significantly higher in the COVID-era group. Regression confirmed a significant impact of norms on both frequency and quantity of alcohol use in both cohorts. Mandated college students during the COVID-19 pandemic consumed less alcohol, engaged in less pregaming, consumed fewer drinks while pregaming, and reported fewer negative alcohol consequences than a cohort from the previous year. In this campus case study of residential students who violate campus alcohol policy, COVID restrictions were associated with reduced overall quantity and risky practices.

Bystander Intervention in Bullying and Sexual Harassment: Role of Personal and Perceived Peer Norms

Bystander Intervention in Bullying and Sexual Harassment: Role of Personal and Perceived Peer Norms

The role of personal and perceived peer norms in bullying and sexual harassment perpetration.

Bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment can be impacted by both personal attitudes and perceived social norms, although few empirical studies on this topic have been conducted with high school students. In this cross-sectional study, 233 high school students completed measures about personal normative attitudes, perceptions of peer norms, and perpetration of bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment. Consistent with social norms theory, students perceived themselves to hold more prosocial (i.e., antibullying/antisexual harassment) personal normative attitudes than they perceived the typical student in their school to hold (i.e., peer norms). Path analyses revealed that students' personal normative attitudes (e.g., antibullying/antiharassment) were negatively related to their bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment perpetration, although perceived peer norms were negatively related to sexual harassment perpetration only. Multiple-group path analysis revealed significant gender differences. Personal normative attitudes related to females' behavior for all forms of perpetration and only sexual harassment and cyberbullying for males (with more antibullying/antiharassment attitudes relating to less perpetration), although associations for males were stronger. Perceived peer norms related to bullying perpetration for males only. Results are discussed with regard to social-cognitive and peer contextual factors and implications for social norms interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Correlates of Bystander Intervention Attitudes and Intentions Among Young Adult Active Duty Male Soldiers.

Sexual assault is a significant problem within the United States military. Bystander intervention skills training is recognized as a promising strategy for sexual assault prevention within both civilian and military populations. Sexual assault prevention programs which include training in bystander intervention teach individuals to notice situations that may pose a risk for harm and safely act to positively influence the outcome. This study examines correlates of bystander intervention attitudes and intentions among young adult active duty male soldiers (N = 282) between the ages of 18 and 24. Positive bystander intervention attitudes and intentions were associated with lower levels of rape myth acceptance, greater discomfort with sexism, lower likelihood of continuing an unwanted sexual advance after verbal resistance from a partner, greater likelihood of gaining verbal consent from a partner, and greater perceived peer approval for bystander intervention. In a multiple regression, perceived peer approval for bystander intervention and self-reported lower likelihood of continuing a sexual advance after verbal resistance from a partner emerged as significant predictors of positive bystander intervention attitudes and intentions (R2 = .41). Given that perceptions of peer norms are modifiable, these findings highlight the importance of addressing peer norms in bystander intervention training programs for military personnel.

Youth perceptions of prevention norms and peer violence perpetration and victimization: A prospective analysis.

The purpose of the current study is to prospectively examine the extent to which social norms perceptions regarding commitment to ending sexual violence are associated with subsequent peer victimization and perpetration experiences. Two types of social norms perceptions were examined: 1) peer norms (perceptions of norms among other students in their city), and 2) adult norms (perceptions of norms among adults in their city). Participants were 1259 middleand high school youth from a single school district (three high schools and five middle schools) who completed online surveys at two-time points, 6 months apart. Adolescents for whom perceptions of peer norms were one standard deviation or more above and below the mean of actual norms were "over-perceivers" and "under-perceivers,"respectively. Overperceivers overestimated their peers' commitment to ending sexual violence, whereas underperceivers underestimated their peers' commitment to ending sexual violence. Other adolescents were "accurate perceivers"; these adolescents were accurate in their estimation of their peers' commitment to ending sexual violence. In general, underperceivers (22.2% of the sample) were more likely than accurate perceivers (77.8% of the sample) to subsequently experience peer-to-peer perpetration and victimization. Adolescents who perceived adults to have a higher commitment to ending sexual violence were less likely to report subsequent perpetration and victimization for some forms of peer-to-peer violence. These findings highlight the potential promise of the social norms approaches to preventpeer-to-peer violence among youth which aligns with increasing calls in the field to integrate these approaches into comprehensive sexual violence prevention.

Who am I and what do my peers think: How do gender identity and peer norms relate to other‐gender friendships

AbstractThough there is increasing awareness of the potential benefits of other‐gender interactions and friendships, there has been little research examining the factors that might act as barriers or promoters of such friendships. Our goal was to explore both individual‐level factors (i.e., gender identity) and indicators of the social environment (i.e., perceived peer norms) that might relate to other‐gender friendships. Sixth graders (N = 396, 47% girls; 65% White) nominated friends in their classrooms, reported their similarity to both own‐ and other‐gender peers and reported on perceived peer norms related to other‐gender interaction. Results indicated that, in general, feeling similar to other‐gender youth was associated with more other‐gender friends. Positive peer norms (e.g., heightened respect) but not negative norms (e.g., teasing) also were associated with more other‐gender friends. Findings have implications for the importance of broadening our understanding of friendship homophily to consider gendered interests/similarities in addition to gender category. Further, the promotion of positive peer norms over negative ones might be an effective means of intervention to promote other‐gender friendships.

Identification of key determinants to reduce alcohol consumption among young adults

Abstract Background Hazardous drinking is a widespread problem and has serious effects on public health. Young adults (aged 18-25) in particular are at increased risk of heavy alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking. At the same time, they are difficult to reach by prevention programs. Using the intervention mapping approach (IM), the community-based prevention program IDEAL will be developed in Northern Bavaria and Southern Thuringia until the end of 2021. As one of the first planning steps, a comprehensive literature search was required to identify the determinants of heavy alcohol consumption among young adults. Methods A systematic literature research was performed using three databases including reviews published in English or German between the years 2011 and 2021 with focus on community-based interventions for reducing alcohol consumption. Results The search yielded 33 reviews meeting the inclusion criteria with the majority of interventions targeting students. 12 determinants were identified, of which seven were individual factors, three environmental and two social factors. Most of the studies address the perception of drinking peer norms in combination with other individual factors like knowledge of alcohol consequences or coping-skills. Furthermore, important data exist, on whether gender-specific distinctions have impact on the efficacy of these factors. Conclusions Based on the research, interventions targeting the perception of peer norms in combination with other developmental factors are effective in reducing young adult's hazardous drinking. But the efficacy of these factors may differ depending on gender. In addition, it is difficult to expose which factor was responsible for the behavior change and thus for the efficacy. Therefore, future research is needed to focus on single gender-specific intervention components. Key messages The combination of addressing perceived peer norms with developmental factors in interventions is a successful approach to reduce alcohol consumption among young adults. But it seems essential to consider gender in the implementation in order to change drinking behavior.