Clayton Neighbors

Dr. Clayton Neighbors is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Houston, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. He serves as Director of the Social Influences and Health Behaviors Lab and holds the Moores Professor chair. His research examines social and motivational factors in health behaviors, including alcohol and substance abuse, problem gambling, body image, intimate partner violence, and aggressive driving.

• Education: Ph.D. and B.A. from University of Houston and Lamar University, respectively

Dr. Neighbors' work integrates social norms, self-determination theory, and social identity into interventions for substance use and health behaviors. His studies often focus on college students and veterans, with funding from NIH institutes (NIAAA, NIDA, NIMH), Department of Defense, and the National Center for Responsible Gaming. Recent research trends include gamified digital interventions, religious drinking norms, and longitudinal analysis of drinking identity and social networks.

He mentors graduate students in grant writing and publication, emphasizing preparation for academic or applied research roles. His lab is a leader in event-specific prevention strategies and personalized feedback interventions.