Scott Graupensperger, PhD

My research focuses on how social influences shape individuals’ health behaviors in both constructive (e.g., physical activity) and risky ways (e.g., alcohol use). I take a translational approach to my research in that I aim to understand how social processes, such as normative influences, relate to behavior so that we can leverage these influences to reduce harm and improve health.

Specific areas of interest include alcohol and other substance use, mental health, and gambling/sports betting. My primary focus is helping young adults during the transition into adulthood.

I have a background in sport psychology, and am passionate about helping athletes navigate the unique stressors involved in high-level sport. In this domain, I serve as a fellow at the U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport.

Education

PhD, The Pennsylvania State University

Department Affiliations

Other Affiliations

U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport

Recent Publications

A just-in-time adaptive personalized mobile app intervention produces limited short-term reductions in heavy episodic drinking frequency in college students: A randomized control trial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2025 Apr 25)
Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken)
Lee CM, Cadigan JM, Calhoun BH, Cronce JM, Fairlie AM, Rhew IC, Patrick ME, Walter T, Graupensperger S, Yan AN, Duckworth JC, Larimer ME

Alcohol use frequency relates to elevated sports betting engagement, risk-taking, and negative consequences in a year-long biweekly study of young adults.
(2025 Aug)
Addict Behav 167(): 108359
Graupensperger S, Lambuth J, Shaygan A, Grubbs J, Lostutter TW

Examining the longer-term efficacy of brief, alcohol-focused personalized feedback interventions for individuals with internalizing distress: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
(2025 Apr 9)
Addiction
Piccirillo ML, Graupensperger S, Walukevich-Dienst K, Lehinger E, Smith-LeCavalier KN, Foster KT, Larimer ME

Monthly patterns of depressive symptoms and substance use and their relation to longer-term hazardous substance use and mental health problems: Examining mutual maintenance using monthly data from young adults.
(2025 Jul)
Addict Behav 166(): 108326
Rhew IC, Graupensperger S, Martinez G, Lee CM

Sports Gambling and Drinking Behaviors Over Time.
(2025 May 1)
JAMA Psychiatry 82(5): 526-530
Grubbs JB, Connolly AJ, Graupensperger S, Kim HS, Kraus SW

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