Participant Satisfaction with Computer-Delivered Intervention Components and Its Relation to Alcohol Outcomes

Abstract

Background

Few computer-delivered brief intervention (CDBI) studies have evaluated participant satisfaction with individual elements of the intervention, or whether participant satisfaction impacts intervention outcomes. Purpose: This factorial trial examined whether subjective reactions to a CDBI for heavy drinking (1) varied depending on the presence versus absence of an animated narrator, a spoken voice, empathic reflections, and motivational interviewing (MI) strategies and (2) were associated with drinking outcomes at 3-month follow-up. Methods: Participants were 352 heavy drinking university students. All participants were randomly assigned to one of 16 versions of a CDBI. After finishing the CDBI, participants completed measures of intervention likability and perceived empathy. Alcohol use outcomes were assessed at 3-month follow-up. Results: CDBI characteristics had minimal effects on participant ratings of likeability and perceived empathy. However, higher likeability ratings were associated with decreases in alcohol use outcomes over the 3-month assessment period. Conclusions: Results indicate that subjective reactions to CDBIs can have important effects on alcohol use outcomes.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• brief intervention
• motivational interviewing
• relational factors
• participant satisfaction
• e-intervention

Declaration of interest

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and his ethical obligation as a researcher, Dr. Steven J. Ondersma reports that he has a financial and/or business interests in a company that may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper. He has disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis and has in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from this involvement. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Notes

1 Empathy ratings were significantly higher when voice was present and there were no ER, compared to when both voice and ER were present, t(167)= −2.53, p < .05. There were no significant difference in liking rating between the two conditions, t(167)= −1.50, p > .05. Transformed variables were used in these analyses.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism under Grant #1R21AA023660-01A1 to Emily R. Grekin and by the National Institute of Mental Health Grant K01 MH110600 to Lucy McGoron.