Megan Darbyshire

Advisor: Dr. Laura Brannon

Description of Research

My research focuses on finding a more effective means of reducing the problem of binge drinking on college campuses. Past research has shown that tailoring health communication to various aspects of a person, including behavior and personality, has been effective at reducing and promoting various health-related behaviors. Past research has also shown that there are three main reasons why college students drink: for order/timing, for community/friendship, or for transformation/escape. My research focuses on reducing binge drinking by tailoring messages to these three reasons for drinking and examining the effects of viewing a message tailored to reason for drinking on a person’s drinking intention and attitudes towards binge drinking.

Representative Publications

Representative Presentations

Teaching Experience

Education

B.S., Psychology, Iowa State University, 2005
B.S., Statistics, Iowa State University, 2005

View Curriculum Vitae

Personal Information (Pet’s name, Hometown, Hobbies, etc.)

I was born and raised in Ames, Iowa, and lived there until I moved here to go to graduate school. My hobbies include watching sports (but never playing them), television, movies, reading anything that is not a textbook, animals, keeping up with my sorority (Alpha Sigma Kappa: Women in Technical Studies), and keeping in touch with friends and family.