Bystander intervention for problematic alcohol use among graduate and international students: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Objectives

Bystander intervention (BI) is a prevention approach commonly used for interpersonal violence, but is less studied for problematic alcohol use (PAU). Domestic graduate and international students’ life experiences bring a unique context for the potential application of BI to PAU.

Methods and Measures

We conducted a mixed methods study that consisted of a needs assessment and focus groups at a southeastern university in the U.S. The aims of this study were to understand (1) differences in PAU BI opportunities for domestic graduate versus international students, (2) reasons for differences in PAU BI use, and (3) barriers/facilitators in use of PAU BI.

Results

Overall, participants had few opportunities to use BI. Domestic graduate students had slightly more opportunities compared to international students. Most prominent reasons for lack of opportunities included not wanting to drive, the cost of drinking, and holding a graduate student identity (e.g. not interested in heavy drinking). Trusting others to be responsible for themselves was a common barrier noted for not using BI for PAU.

Conclusion

PAU BI programs should contextualize experiences of domestic graduate and international students to provide appropriate skill development that considers unique barriers and facilitators to intervention use.

Keywords:

• Bystander intervention
• graduate students
• international students
• alcohol use

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (1H79SM083941-01) and National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (1R15AA028910-01).