Rescuing the Overpouring Effect : The Impact of Perceived Drinking Situation in a Simulated Alcohol Free Pour Task

Abstract

College students’ alcohol consumption is excessive creating a potential public health concern. Research has shown that college students will over pour a standard drink when participating in a simulated alcohol free pour task, creating the Overpour Effect (White et al., 2001; Zandy et al., 2013). Interesting, and contrary to the Overpour Effect, we reported initial data showing that subjects’ will pour less fluid in a simulated alcohol pouring task if they are asked to pour in the presence of an unfamiliar peer (Zandy et al., 2013). However, it is unknown how reliable the reduced pouring effect is when an unfamiliar peer is engaged. In addition, it is unknown if the reduced pouring can be reinstated, i.e., rescued. This study investigates factors that can reduce the Overpour effect and if the Overpour effect can be rescued.