Using text messages to help parents reduce their college students' alcohol use
Official title: Digitally Prompted Parenting: A Text Message Parent-Based Alcohol Intervention for Incoming College Students
Funded at Loyola Marymount University · NIH-10904546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how parents can help their kids heading to college drink less alcohol by sending them supportive text messages, making it easy for parents to stay connected and share helpful tips during this important time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola Marymount University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,856 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AA031358-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include parents of students who are preparing to enter college and are concerned about their children's alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Parents of students who are not entering college or those who do not have concerns about alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how parents can support their college-bound children in reducing alcohol consumption through text messaging. By sending simple, risk-reducing messages during the critical transition to college, parents can maintain communication and influence their children's attitudes towards drinking. The approach aims to make participation easier for parents by minimizing the time and effort required, focusing on brief tasks that can be completed throughout the semester. The study builds on previous findings that suggest effective communication can help prevent increases in alcohol use among students.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a practical intervention that helps reduce alcohol consumption among incoming college students, promoting healthier behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous interventions targeting parent communication have shown modest success, indicating that this approach has potential but may require further testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labrie, Joseph W. — Loyola Marymount University
- Study coordinator: Labrie, Joseph W.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.