Individual, Interpersonal, and Contextual: Barriers and Facilitators to Bystander Intervention for Problematic Alcohol Use.

Background

Bystander intervention (BI) is a promising technique to reduce problematic alcohol use (PAU) and its consequences among college students. However, to effectively apply BI principles to PAU, it is essential to understand barriers and facilitators that influence whether an individual decides to intervene in PAU situations.

Objectives

The purpose of this research is to identify barriers and facilitators to BI for PAU among college students.

Methods

We conducted 20 focus groups and 9 interviews with 79 diverse undergraduate college students. Transcripts were coded thematically using inductive and deductive methods.

Results

Findings show that barriers and facilitators to BI for PAU can be categorized into three levels: 1) individual, 2) interpersonal, and 3) contextual. Themes within the individual level include knowledge and beliefs, personal history, and bystander intoxication. Themes within the interpersonal level include relational distance, shared identity, and relationship concerns. Themes within the contextual level include access to resources, the drinking environment, and policy concerns.

Conclusions

Barriers and facilitators must be considered when designing BI programs for PAU. Future research should examine effective strategies to minimize barriers and maximize facilitators, thus increasing BI and potentially reducing the number of college students who are negatively impacted by PAU.