Evaluating a fear appeal message to reduce alcohol use among "Greeks"

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a fear appeal message on college stude nts' drinking behavior using the extended parallel process model. Method: A survey was administered to a random sample of undergraduates (n=224) in 38 national fraternal organizations. Results: Both perceived efficacy and per ceived threat were significantly correlated with drinking behavior. There w as a significant difference both in drinking behavior and attendance at alc ohol-free events between those who heard and those who did not hear the mes sage. Conclusions: Theoretically based fear appeal messages may be a useful way to promote responsible drinking among college students.