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

Designing an Online and Text-Messaging Intervention to Enhance Protective Behavioral Strategy Utilization at the Daily Level Among Young Adults Engaged in Alcohol and Cannabis Use.
(2025 May 24)
J Stud Alcohol Drugs
Lewis MA, Litt DM, Fairlie AM, Graupensperger S, Cross A, Stankus R, Murphy J, Kilmer JR

When less is more: How attentiveness impacts the efficacy of online personalized feedback interventions for college student alcohol use.
(2025 May)
Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken) 49(5): 1139-1148
Kang D, Graupensperger S, Piccirillo M, Lewis M, Foster KT, Larimer ME

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

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