AIMS This study aimed to prospectively examine the explanatory value of the protection motivation theory (PMT) for the intention to use manner of drinking protective behavioral strategies (MD PBS) and to explore its invariance across genders.

METHOD A targeted sampling procedure was used to recruit 339 young adults in the community (Mage = 21.1; SD = 2.21; female = 50.7%) who completed baseline and 2-month follow-up measures of the PMT constructs and intentions to use each of the five MD PBS.

RESULTS Regression analyses revealed that the coping appraisal components (response efficacy and self-efficacy) had greater explanatory power for the intention to use MD PBS than the threat appraisal components (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences was not prospectively associated with any specific behavioral intention or with the total MD PBS score. In contrast, perceived severity was prospectively associated with the intention to use three out of five PBS and the total MD score. Regression coefficients revealed gender invariance for all six models.

CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at encouraging young adults to use alcohol MD PBS would be most effective if they included components that enhance self-efficacy in using these strategies and emphasize their perceived usefulness in reducing alcohol-related consequences.