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Müller N, Fallucchi F, Suhrcke M. Peer effects in weight-related behaviours of young people: A systematic literature review. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2024; 53:101354. [PMID: 38301414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2024.101354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Individual preferences and beliefs are perpetually shaped by environmental influences, with peers playing a key role in this dynamic process. Compelling evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies has highlighted the significant impact of peer influence on health-related decisions. This systematic literature review critically synthesises findings from 45 studies published between 2011 and 2022, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature of peer effects on dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviours during youth. The majority of studies indicated that social norms drive directional changes in eating and physical activity. Yet, our analysis revealed a notable gap in exploring alternative mechanisms, including social comparison and social identity, despite their potential relevance. Studies, generally classified as moderate to high quality, predominantly relied on self-reported data, potentially affecting the validity and reliability of measures. Meta-regression analyses suggest a small, but significant association of sample size with the magnitude, sign and significance of the reported peer effects. Moreover, studies focusing on physical activity are more likely to report significant outcomes, whereas findings on peer influence on sleep-related studies tend to reveal less pronounced effects, compared to studies on dietary behaviours. Experimental designs do not appear to increase the likelihood of finding significant effects when compared to other study designs. In conclusion, this synthesis emphasises the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms on peer effects to better inform policy-makers in designing effective policies for improving weight-related behaviours in young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Müller
- Department of Living Conditions, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research, 11 Porte des Sciences, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Department of Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | | | - Marc Suhrcke
- Department of Living Conditions, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research, 11 Porte des Sciences, 4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Centre for Health Economics, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
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Sanchez ZM, Folgar MI, Matias JP, Pimentel MP, Burkhart G. Framing substance use as "recreational" is neither accurate nor helpful for prevention purposes. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2023; 44:795-811. [PMID: 37642907 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-023-00745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This debate paper discusses six reasons why the term "recreational substance use" should be avoided. (1) Social norms and beliefs are drivers of behavior; therefore, the normalized use of the term conveys injunctive norms of a fully socially acceptable substance. Injunctive norms are the most important drivers of initiation into substance use. (2) The illusion of being in control, suggesting that if consumed for leisure and recreation it can easily be controlled; (3) Idealized social representations that fuel an idealized image of an alternative glamourous or mindful consumption culture; (4) Downplaying potential harms; (5) The implicit promise of everyday pleasure, the ever-growing potency of cannabis products does not fit the narrative of its use for recreation; (6) Industry as a trojan horse branding discourse of the concept of medical cannabis to normalize the image of non-medical use: to complement "therapeutic" with "recreational". "Recreational use" is a subjective ill-defined term. This debate paper aims to find a better terminological solution, honestly denominating with a neutral, unbiased, and objective connotation what is now called "recreational use". Thus, we propose using the term "non-therapeutic" use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zila M Sanchez
- Preventive Medicine Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu, 740, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - João Pedro Matias
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marcos Paulo Pimentel
- GPRED - Grupo de Prevenção ao uso indevido de drogas da Polícia Federal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gregor Burkhart
- European Society for Prevention Research (EUSPR), Lisbon, Portugal
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Baroni M, Biagioni S, Benedetti E, Scalese M, Baldini F, Potente R, Menicucci D, Molinaro S. Non-prescribed pharmaceutical stimulants use among adolescents: A way to self-care or peer success? Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110906. [PMID: 37549544 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND the use of pharmaceutical stimulants without a medical prescription (PSWMP) among adolescents is considered an established public health issue. The present study aimed to investigate the potential links between different patterns of non-medical use of pharmaceutical stimulants, psycho-social factors, and other risky behaviours (e.g. psychoactive substance use). METHODS For this purpose, data from a sample of 14,685 adolescents aged 15-19 participating in the ESPAD®Italia 2019 study were analysed by conducting descriptive analyses and multinomial logistic regressions. RESULTS The findings highlight the key role of psycho-social factors and engagement in other risky behaviours in either reducing or promoting the risk of PSWMP use. Particularly, being satisfied with peer relationships and with oneself is significantly associated with lower use of PSWMP. Conversely, the consumption of other psychoactive substances (both legal and illegal) and engagement in other risky behaviours (e.g., gambling and cyberbullying) may increase this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS Considering their representativeness, the results of the present study could be used as groundwork for the development of effective and targeted prevention programs and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Baroni
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy; Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Biagioni
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy; Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Benedetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy
| | - Marco Scalese
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy
| | - Federica Baldini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy; Department of Social Sciences and Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Potente
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy
| | - Danilo Menicucci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Molinaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Italy.
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Fleckman JM, Taylor CA, Gershoff E, Finkelhor D, Holden GW, Klika B. Levels of support for legislative bans to end physical punishment in schools and homes in a national sample. Public Health 2023; 222:60-65. [PMID: 37517162 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical punishment of children remains quite common and yet has only negative effects on children's health, making it an important public health problem. This study was designed to assess positive attitudes about and perceived normative support for the use of physical punishment with children, as well as attitudes regarding prohibition of physical punishment in homes and schools. STUDY DESIGN This was a cross-sectional national survey of a diverse sample of US adults (N = 3049). METHODS This survey, conducted in Fall 2020, assessed attitudes and perceived norms regarding physical punishment use using continuous measures as well as support and perceived support for policies prohibiting physical punishment in homes and schools in the United States. RESULTS Respondents who had positive attitudes toward physical punishment (39%) and who perceived normative support for physical punishment (41%) were not in the majority. While 65% agreed that there should be a federal ban on physical punishment in public schools, only 18% perceived that most US adults would support such a ban. Persons who were older (aged ≥55 years), men, living in the southern United States, or who themselves were hit more frequently as children were significantly less likely than their counterparts to support a federal ban in schools. CONCLUSIONS Based on a national sample, there is strong support for a federal ban on physical punishment in US schools; yet this normative belief is unrecognized. Social norms campaigns should capitalize on this pluralistic ignorance to increase mobilization toward policy reform and reduction of harm to children through bans of physical punishment in public schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Fleckman
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - C A Taylor
- Boston College School of Social Work, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Gershoff
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - D Finkelhor
- University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - G W Holden
- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - B Klika
- Prevent Child Abuse America, Chicago, IL, USA
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Shin Y, Miller-Day M, Pettigrew J, Hecht ML. Does Narrative Quality Matter During Implementation of a School-Based Prevention Intervention? A Test of Narrative Engagement Theory. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:526-538. [PMID: 37401175 PMCID: PMC10527670 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2231886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Narratives play a powerful role in sharing meaning and making sense of experiences. Specifically, health narratives convey storylines, characters, and messages about health-related behaviors and provide audiences with models for healthy behaviors, prompting audiences' health-related reflections and decision-making. Narrative engagement theory (NET) explains how personal narratives can be integrated into interventions to promote health. This study utilizes NET to test direct and indirect effects of teachers' narrative quality on adolescent outcomes during a school-based substance use prevention intervention that includes narrative pedagogy and an implementation strategy. Observational coding of teacher narratives in video-recorded lessons along with self-report student surveys (N = 1,683) were subjected to path analysis. Findings showed significant direct effects of narrative quality on student engagement, norms (i.e. personal, best-friend injunctive, and descriptive norms), and substance use behavior. The analysis also yielded support for indirect effects of narrative quality on adolescent substance use behavior via student engagement, personal norms, and descriptive norms. Findings highlight important issues related to teacher-student interaction during implementation and contributes implications for adolescent substance use prevention research.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungJu Shin
- Department of Organizational Sciences and Communication, George Washington University
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Noel JK, Tudela SE, Rosenthal SR. Sexual minority status, illicit drug use, and depressive symptoms. JOURNAL OF LGBT YOUTH 2023; 21:490-506. [PMID: 38798775 PMCID: PMC11114600 DOI: 10.1080/19361653.2023.2187918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and who identify with other sexual orientations (LGB+) are at higher risk for illicit drug use and have higher rates of mental illness. The current study examined the prevalence of illicit drug use among LGB+ persons and assessed the moderating effect of mental illness. Cross-sectional data from the 2015, 2017, and 2019 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were aggregated. The outcome was any reported use of cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or hallucinogens. The primary exposure was self-reported sexual orientation category (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, not sure). Self-reported depressive symptoms were tested as a moderator. Logistic regression models assessed main and interactive effects. Gay or lesbian students [AOR=1.87 95%CI: 1.45,2.43], bisexual students [AOR=2.07 95%CI: 1.77,2.42], and those unsure of their sexual orientation [AOR=1.99 95%CI: 1.65,2.39] had increased odds of illicit drug use. Odds were higher among LGB+ youth who did not have depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Odds of illicit substance use was significantly greater in youth identifying as gay and lesbian, bisexual, and students who were not sure about their sexual orientation and among LGB+ youth without depressive symptoms. Targeted, but non-stigmatizing, prevention programs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K. Noel
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
| | - Stephanie E. Tudela
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
| | - Samantha R. Rosenthal
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, USA 02903
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Dudovitz RN, Chung PJ, Dosanjh KK, Phillips M, Tucker JS, Pentz MA, Biely C, Tseng CH, Galvez A, Arellano G, Wong MD. Outcome of the AVID College Preparatory Program on Adolescent Health: A Randomized Trial. Pediatrics 2023; 151:e2022057183. [PMID: 36524331 PMCID: PMC9830585 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Academic tracking is a widespread practice, separating students by prior academic performance. Clustering lower performing students together may unintentionally reinforce risky peer social networks, school disengagement, and risky behaviors. If so, mixing lower performing with high performing youth ("untracking") may be protective, leading to better adolescent health. METHODS Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), a nationally-disseminated college preparatory program, supports placing middle-performing students in rigorous college-preparatory classes alongside high-performing peers. We conducted the first randomized, controlled trial of AVID in the United States, randomizing 270 students within 5 large public high schools to receive AVID (AVID group) versus usual school programming (control group). Participants completed surveys at the transition to high school (end of eighth grade/ beginning of ninth grade) and the end of ninth grade. Intent-to-treat analyses tested whether AVID resulted in healthier social networks (primary outcome), health behaviors, and psychosocial wellbeing. RESULTS At follow-up, AVID students had lower odds of using any substance (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.89) and associating with a substance-using peer (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.45-0.98), and higher odds of associating with a peer engaged in school (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.11-2.70). Male AVID students had lower stress and higher self-efficacy, grit, and school engagement than control students (P < .05 for all). No adverse health effects among high-performing peers were observed. CONCLUSIONS AVID positively impacts social networks, health behaviors, and psychosocial outcomes suggesting academic untracking may have substantial beneficial spillover effects on adolescent health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N. Dudovitz
- Departments of Pediatrics and Children’s Development and Innovation Institute
| | - Paul J. Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Children’s Development and Innovation Institute
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Kulwant K. Dosanjh
- General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Mary Ann Pentz
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher Biely
- Departments of Pediatrics and Children’s Development and Innovation Institute
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Arzie Galvez
- Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Mitchell D. Wong
- General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Amialchuk A, Sapci O. The long-term health effects of initiating smoking in adolescence: Evidence from a national longitudinal survey. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 31:597-613. [PMID: 34989036 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We estimate the long-term effect of initiating smoking in adolescence on a range of health outcomes later in life. We use the second wave (1996) and the fifth wave (2016-2018) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) and estimate instrumental variables models with school-level fixed effects, where the instruments are the average rate of smoking among friends and the respondents' perceptions about their friends' smoking. We find that smoking in adolescence has a negative impact on 15 of the 28 self-reported, diagnosed, and self-identified health outcomes approximately 20 years later.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onur Sapci
- Department of Economics, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
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Woods C, Kim B, Guo K, Nyguen T, Taplayan S, Aronowitz T. Factors That Influence Substance Use Among American Indian/Alaskan Native Youth: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2022; 28:37-57. [PMID: 34396829 DOI: 10.1177/10783903211038050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) mortality rate from illicit drug use was 22.7%, double that of the general population between 2007 and 2009. Fifteen percent of AI/AN youth reported receiving treatment for substance use compared with 10% of non-AI/AN peers. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to explore the factors that influence substance use among AI/AN youth. METHOD We performed a systematic review using a results-based convergent synthesis design. Eight electronic databases were searched for articles published between 2014 and 2019 using the search terms "Native American youth," "Native American adolescent," "Native Youth," "substance use," "substance misuse," and "substance abuse." The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the studies. RESULTS Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria (44 quantitative, one qualitative, and two mixed-methods studies). The results were organized using the ecological systems model and included evaluation of both protective and risk factors related to AI/AN youth substance use. Three system levels were found to influence substance use: individual, micro- and macrosystems. The individual systems-level coping mechanisms played a key role in whether AI/AN youth initiated substance use. Family, school, and peer factors influence the microsystem level. At the macrosystem level, community environmental factors were influential. CONCLUSION The major factor linking all the systems was the influence of a connected relationship with a prosocial adult who instilled future aspirations and a positive cultural identity. Findings of this systematic mixed studies review will assist in intervention development for AI/AN youth to prevent substance misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Woods
- Cedric Woods, PhD, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - BoRam Kim
- BoRam Kim, BSN, RN, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristine Guo
- Kristine Guo, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tuyet Nyguen
- Tuyet Nugyen, University of Massachusetts Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarin Taplayan
- Sarin Tapalyan, BSN, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teri Aronowitz
- Teri Aronowitz, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAAN, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
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Marziali ME, Levy NS, Martins SS. Perceptions of peer and parental attitudes toward substance use and actual adolescent substance use: The impact of adolescent-confidant relationships. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1085-1093. [PMID: 35442871 PMCID: PMC9706817 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2060439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective: While peer influence is a well-documented risk factor for adolescent substance use, it remains unclear whether peer or parental attitudes have greater impact, and if this relationship is moderated by having a confidant and the relationship between adolescents and their confidant. Method: Pooled (2015-2018) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data on adolescents (12-17 years) were used. Perceived peer and parental disapproval of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use were dichotomized. We assessed associations between disapproval and past-month tobacco (N = 51,352), alcohol (N = 51,407), and marijuana use (N = 51,355) using separate multivariable logistic regression models. We explored effect modification by the presence of a confidant, parental vs. non-parental disapproval, and peer vs. non-peer confidant relationship. Results: Peer and parental disapproval, presence of any confidant, and identifying a parental confidant were consistently protective against substance use; identifying a peer confidant increased odds of use across substances. For marijuana use, peer disapproval (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 0.08) was more protective than parental disapproval (aOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.15). The joint presence of peer/parental disapproval and any confidant decreased the odds of substance use beyond the individual effects of peer/parental disapproval and having a confidant. However, having a peer confidant attenuated the protective association between peer/parental disapproval and tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Conclusions: Both peer and parental relationships are salient when considering the social context of adolescent substance use and should be considered when studying the effects of perceived disapproval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Marziali
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Natalie S. Levy
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032
| | - Silvia S. Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032,Corresponding author: Dr. Silvia Martins, , Phone: 212-305-2848, Address: 722 W 168th St, 5th floor, Room 509, New York, NY, 10032
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Perception of Peer Condom Use Buffers the Associations Between HIV Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Condom-Use Intention Among Adolescents: a Moderated Mediation Model. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 23:879-888. [PMID: 34962622 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of the complex relationships between HIV knowledge, self-efficacy, perception of peer condom use, and condom-use intention is needed for improving HIV prevention among adolescents. The study analyzed survey data collected from high school students (N = 1970) in the Bahamas. Mediation and moderated mediation modeling analyses were used for data analysis. Results showed that self-efficacy mediated the association between HIV knowledge and condom-use intention. Perception of peer condom use moderated the mediation model by modifying the HIV knowledge-self-efficacy and self-efficacy-condom-use intention associations among males, but not for females. Findings of the study suggest the significant impact of perception of peer condom use in competition with HIV knowledge and self-efficacy in promoting condom use. Effective intervention program may consider targeting the modification of adolescents' perception of peer condom use to promote condom use among adolescents.
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Calvert S, Dempsey RC, Povey R. Normative misperceptions of unhealthy snacking amongst 11- to 12-year-old secondary school students. Appetite 2021; 166:105462. [PMID: 34119560 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Younger adolescents are at an age where they have increasing control of their diet, and where peers become an important social reference for acceptable and normative dietary behaviours. These normative perceptions are often inaccurate and can lead to the development of unhealthy eating practices; although, the role of normative misperceptions of peers' unhealthy snacking behaviours in younger adolescents' personal snacking behaviours is not clear. The current study was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a social norms-based healthy eating intervention sampling two secondary schools in deprived areas of England. Students aged 11-12 years (n = 252) completed self-report measures of their demographic characteristics and personal behaviours, attitudes, intentions, and normative perceptions (descriptive and injunctive norms), relating to unhealthy snacking. Results indicated students overestimated peers' daily unhealthy snacks consumption by approximately 3.2 portions, misperceived peers to have more positive attitudes towards unhealthy snacking and more negative attitudes towards reducing snacking. The greater these misperceptions of peers' behaviours and attitudes, the more likely students were to consume unhealthy snacks and have positive attitudes about unhealthy snacking. Girls had a stronger intention to reduce their snacking behaviours if they had more positive attitudes to reducing snacking behaviours and misperceived peers to also have a positive attitude. In summary, 11- to 12-year-olds misperceive the snacking behaviour and attitudes of their peers, and such normative misperceptions are associated with students' own snacking behaviours and attitudes. Interventions which challenge these misperceptions may assist in reducing the social acceptability of unhealthy snacking and in reducing unhealthy snacking amongst young adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Calvert
- The Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DF, UK.
| | - Robert C Dempsey
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15 6GX, UK
| | - Rachel Povey
- The Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DF, UK
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Prevalence and Correlates of Alcohol Consumption among Hill-Tribe Adolescents below the Legal Drinking Age-A Community-based Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218266. [PMID: 33182345 PMCID: PMC7664938 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol drinking has been prevalent among various hill tribes of northern Thailand due to their distinctively different lifestyles, traditions, cultures and beliefs than the general Thai population; the majority of these traditions involve annual rounds of customary rituals that make alcohol abundantly accessible to all age groups. To study the prevalence and predictors of alcohol use, a community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017-September 2018 among 480 sampled adolescents aged 12 through 18 years drawn by stratified random sampling. A proprietary questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to collect the data which were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The prevalence of alcohol use in the previous 30 days was 46.7%. Drinking predictors were: having at least a drinking parent, drinking peers, ever been sent to buy alcohol, smoking, cordial relationship with peers, gambling, family violence experience, stress and leisure time company. Therefore, our results suggest that prevention interventions should be designed with a focus on discouraging parents from sending children to buy alcohol and drinking or smoking in their presence; to reduce both social and commercial access to alcohol, age limits should be imposed on alcohol intake at all ceremonious events, while strictly reinforcing the law that prohibits selling alcohol to minors.
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Gender Differences in the Association between Positive Drinking Attitudes and Alcohol-Related Problems. The WIRUS Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17165949. [PMID: 32824384 PMCID: PMC7460403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Alcohol consumption is deeply integrated in people's social- and work lives and, thus, constitutes a serious public health challenge. Attitudes toward drinking stand out as important predictors of drinking, but have to date been sparsely studied in employee populations. This study explores the association of employees' attitudes toward drinking with their alcohol-related problems, and whether this association is moderated by gender and employment sector. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from a heterogeneous sample of employees (N = 4094) at 19 Norwegian companies. Drinking attitudes were assessed using the Drinking Norms Scale. The AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) scale was then used to assess any alcohol-related problems. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple logistic regression. Results: Employees with predominantly positive drinking attitudes were almost three times as likely to report alcohol-related problems compared to employees with more negative drinking attitudes (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 2.00-3.76). Gender moderated the association between positive drinking attitudes and alcohol-related problems (OR = 3.30; 95% CI: 2.10-5.21). The association was stronger in women (OR = 5.21; 95% CI: 3.34-8.15) than in men (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 2.11-4.55). Employment sector did not moderate the association between drinking attitudes and alcohol-related problems. Conclusions: Employee attitudes toward alcohol should be monitored to better enable early workplace health promotion interventions targeting alcohol problems. These interventions might need to be gender-specific.
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Prentice D, Paluck EL. Engineering social change using social norms: lessons from the study of collective action. Curr Opin Psychol 2020; 35:138-142. [PMID: 32746001 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral interventions have embraced social norms as information that can be communicated in simple messages to motivate behavior change. This article argues for the value and necessity of recognizing that social-norm interventions are grounded in group processes. This approach has three major benefits that more than offset the costs of its greater theoretical and practical complexity. One, it improves the effectiveness of existing interventions, including those that target the normative beliefs of individuals. Two, it opens up new intervention strategies that broaden the range of mechanisms used to change behavior. Three, it connects research on social-norm interventions with theories and research on rallies, rebellions, riots, and other forms of collective action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Prentice
- Peretsman Scully Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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16
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Perkins JM, Perkins HW, Jurinsky J, Craig DW. Adolescent Tobacco Use and Misperceptions of Social Norms Across Schools in the United States. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020. [PMID: 31790356 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2019.80.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assesses tobacco use norm misperceptions by distinguishing between perceived and actual peer norms for both tobacco use attitudes and behavior, and examines the association between perceived norms and personal use among U.S. students in Grades 6-12. METHOD Anonymous self-report surveys were conducted with 28,070 students across 64 schools in 11 U.S. states between 1999 and 2017. RESULTS Although 77% of students said tobacco use is never good, 64% of students thought that most students in their grade believed that use is acceptable. Similarly, although 79% of students reported never using tobacco, 85% of students perceived that most students in their grade typically use tobacco, with 66% thinking that peers use monthly or more often. Substantial norm misperception existed regardless of student and school factors, increasing by grade. Perceiving that most peers thought tobacco use is acceptable was highly predictive of personal attitude, and perceiving tobacco use as the norm among same-grade peers strongly predicted personal tobacco use, even after we adjusted for actual peer use prevalence and other factors. Males' perception of the male peer norm was a stronger predictor of personal use than was their perception of the female peer norm. Females' perceptions of sex-specific norms were associated with personal use, each at about the same magnitude. CONCLUSIONS Norm misperceptions are pervasive across a diversity of students and schools, whereas perceptions of peer norms about tobacco use are highly associated with personal attitude and use. Results suggest that population-wide interventions correcting these misperceptions may help reduce tobacco use broadly among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jordan Jurinsky
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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17
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MacArthur GJ, Hickman M, Campbell R. Qualitative exploration of the intersection between social influences and cultural norms in relation to the development of alcohol use behaviour during adolescence. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e030556. [PMID: 32184301 PMCID: PMC7076248 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Few contemporary studies have examined peer and social drivers of alcohol use during mid-adolescence. We sought to explore young people's perspectives on socio-cultural influences relating to alcohol use behaviour during this period. DESIGN Qualitative research study. METHODS Semi-structured one-to-one (n=25), paired (n=4) or triad (n=1) interviews and one focus group (n=6) were conducted with 30 young people aged 14 to 15 (13 males, 17 females) recruited from 4 schools, and 12 participants (aged 14 to 18, 8 males, 4 females) recruited from two youth groups in an urban centre in the West of England. Nineteen participants abstained from alcohol use, 9 were occasional or moderate drinkers and 14 drank alcohol more regularly. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using NVivo V.10, through a lens of social influence and social norms theories. RESULTS Alcohol consumption was associated with being cool, mature and popular, while enabling escape from reality and boosting confidence and enjoyment. Positive expectancies, alongside opportunity, contributed to motivating initiation, but social influences were paramount, with participants describing a need to 'fit in' with friends to avoid social exclusion. Such influences positioned drinking at parties as a normative social practice, providing opportunities for social learning and the strengthening of peer norms. Social media presented young people with positive alcohol-associated depictions of social status, enjoyment and maturity. This intersection of influences and norms generated a pressurised environment and a sense of unease around resisting pressures, which could elicit stigmatising insults. CONCLUSIONS Cultural norms, social influences and social media intersect to create a pressurised environment around alcohol use during mid-adolescence, driving the escalation in the prevalence of excessive consumption at this stage. New interventions need to address normative influences to enable the prevention of excessive alcohol use during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie J MacArthur
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rona Campbell
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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