Citation

Gordon CS, Howard SJ, Kervin LK, Jones SC. Health Educ. Behav. 2018; 45(3): 311-314.

Affiliation

Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1090198117731601

PMID

28933186

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol media literacy (AML) programs have achieved positive results for alcohol prevention; however, gender may moderate program effectiveness. This study investigated gender differences for an Australian AML intervention.

METHOD: Fifth and sixth graders ( N = 165), allocated to an intervention or wait-list control group, participated in an AML program. Student questionnaires were administered at three time points.

RESULTS: The intervention resulted in significantly higher media deconstruction skills but did not lead to less preference for branded merchandise or greater understanding of persuasive intent, and these effects did not differ by gender. Gender differences were present in social norms for drinking and alcohol expectancies.

CONCLUSIONS: AML education likely has appeal and benefit to both genders as it connects with students' lifeworlds. Social norms may be more difficult to shift for males due to a more ingrained drinking culture. Future research could explore contextual factors responsible for gender differences.

Language: en

Keywords

alcohol advertising; alcohol prevention; gender; media literacy