# Translating Behavioral Economics Strategies to Culturally Tailor a Mobile Health Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Risky Drinking Behaviors in Black College Student Men

> **NIH NIH K23** · FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $171,188

## Abstract

Abstract
Black emerging adult college men (BCM; 18−29 years) in the U.S. experience more alcohol-related health
disparities than same-aged White men and Black women. However, BCM are hesitant to engage in
interventions shown to alleviate stress and alcohol consumption in college students. Using mobile health
(mHealth) interventions tailored for BCM may address these disproportionalities. Hence, the long-term goal of
this Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is to launch Dr. Laura Reid
Marks’s program of research as an independent clinical scientist with a focus on reducing alcohol-related
health disparities in Black emerging adults. This goal will be achieved through a 5-year parallel training and
research plan. Training goals include: (1) developing expertise in the theory and practice of T1 translation of
the ORBIT model (an NIH model of phased behavioral intervention development); (2) cultivating skills in
behavioral economics theory to develop engagement strategies for a behavioral mHealth intervention; (3)
implementing novel experimental approaches (i.e., micro-randomized trials; MRTs), to increase mHealth
engagement; and (4) building skills to successfully direct a research lab and mentor a diverse lab of students.
Training objectives will be met through a comprehensive training plan involving: (1) ongoing individual
meetings with mentors (Drs. Naar, Murphy, Nahum-Shani, and Li), to learn from their combined expertise in T1
translation of health intervention, behavioral economics, mHealth, MRT research design, and statistical
analyses; (2) courses, workshops, and seminars; (3) conferences and professional development. Skills gained
through the training plan will be applied to a project capitalizing on Phases I and II of the ORBIT model in
preparation for Phase III. To address Aim 1 (Phase 1), in Years 1−2, we will analyze focus group data collected
from BCM drinkers at a predominantly White institution to develop and refine strategies drawn from behavioral
economics (i.e., episodic future thinking, reciprocity) to increase engagement in a mindfulness application
(app) for binge and heavy drinking BCM. To address Aim 2 (Phase I and II), across Years 2−4, we will use a
pilot-MRT to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect of the Aim 1 engagement strategies to
engage binge and heaving drinking BCM (N = 40) in a mindfulness app. Participants will be randomized to one
of three conditions (episodic future thinking, reciprocity, or no prompt conditions). A baseline survey, ecological
momentary assessments, paradata, and a post-pilot MRT individual exit interview will assess feasibility,
acceptability, and the preliminary effect of the engagement strategies delivered as text-based prompts in a
smartphone to increase engagement in mHealth mindfulness, reduce stress, and ultimately alcohol
consumption in BCM. The proposed studies will provide pilot data for Dr. Marks’ first R01 submission to
NIAAA, to b...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10912596
- **Project number:** 5K23AA030602-03
- **Recipient organization:** FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Laura Michelle Reid Marks
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $171,188
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-09-20 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10912596

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10912596, Translating Behavioral Economics Strategies to Culturally Tailor a Mobile Health Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Risky Drinking Behaviors in Black College Student Men (5K23AA030602-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10912596. Licensed CC0.

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