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Cheers C, Pennay A, De la Piedad Garcia X, Callinan S. Drinker's own drinking, experience of alcohol-related harms, and concern for drinking predict drinker's attitudes towards non-drinkers. Psychol Health 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39340140 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2406498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While the stigma experienced by non-drinkers is well-documented, little is known about the factors that influence it. This study aims to test a sequential mediation model in which the amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker, predicts their experienced alcohol-related harm, which in turn predicts the concern they have for drinking and their negative attitudes towards non-drinkers. METHODS A sample of 787 Australian drinkers (Mage = 38.4 years, SD = 11.4) completed online measures of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, concern for drinking and the Cheers Attitudes towards Non-drinker Scale (CANS): a scale that measures the negative attitudes toward non-drinkers via three threats non-drinkers are perceived to pose to drinkers (Threat to Fun, Connection, and Self). RESULTS The model was shown to be a good fit and demonstrated a sequential mediation with significant indirect effects from alcohol consumption via experienced alcohol-related harms and concern, to each CANS subscale: Threat to Self (β = 0.402, p < 0.001), Fun (β = 0.096, p = 0.006) and Connection (β = 0.165, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the stigma directed at non-drinkers may be enacted as a defence against an unwanted self-reflection from a drinker's concern for their own drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Cheers
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy Pennay
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Callinan
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Litt DM, Zhou Z, Fairlie AM, Waldron KA, Geusens F, Lewis MA. Experimental Test of Abstaining-and-Drinking Social Media Content on Adolescent and Young Adult Social Norms and Alcohol Use. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2023; 84:700-709. [PMID: 37306372 PMCID: PMC10600970 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.23-00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental research has demonstrated that when alcohol-related content is viewed on social media, adolescents and young adults tend to have favorable attitudes toward alcohol use. However, limited research focuses on social media norms for abstaining from alcohol use. The current study examined the role of descriptive and injunctive alcohol-abstaining-and-drinking norms via experimentally manipulated social media profiles. Experimental effects on descriptive and injunctive normative perceptions and subsequent behavior were tested. METHOD Participants (N = 306; ages 15-20 years) were recruited from the Seattle metropolitan area to complete a baseline survey and view researcher-fabricated social media profiles. Using stratified random assignment (birth sex and age), participants were randomized into one of three conditions: (a) alcohol abstaining and drinking, (b) alcohol abstaining, and (c) attention control. RESULTS The alcohol-abstaining-and-drinking condition reported greater drinking descriptive norms compared with participants in either the alcohol-abstaining or the attention-control conditions at post-experiment and 1-month follow-up. The alcohol-abstaining-and-drinking condition reported lower abstaining descriptive norms (i.e., perceiving fewer peers abstain) compared with those in the alcohol-abstaining condition at post-experiment and lower abstaining injunctive norms compared with those in the attention-control condition at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to social media profiles containing both alcohol-drinking and alcohol-abstaining messages was respectively associated with individuals perceiving that peers were consuming alcohol more often and that fewer peers were abstaining. The present findings are consistent with prior experimental research that indicates alcohol displays on social media are associated with riskier drinking cognitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M. Litt
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Anne M. Fairlie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Katja A. Waldron
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Femke Geusens
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Leuven School for Mass Communication Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melissa A. Lewis
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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3
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Dodge T, Hoffman RK, Kracke-Bock J, Jaccard JJ, Stock ML. How Does Being under the Influence Affect Willingness to Experience Overlapping Effects of Alcohol and Marijuana? Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1483-1492. [PMID: 37350140 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2223284] [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] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study tested how individuals anticipate they will respond to opportunities to engage in simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use. METHODS Two studies utilizing a within-subjects design were conducted. Study 1 was conducted in Spring 2021 and a replication (Study 2) was conducted in Fall 2021. Participants were presented with pairs of scenarios. One scenario pair compared how willing participants expected to be to get drunk if they were sober vs. high. Another pair compared how willing participants would be to take a hit of marijuana if they were sober vs. drunk. College attending young adults (Study 1: N = 173; female = 81%; Study 2: N = 212; female = 49.1%) with varying degrees of substance use experience were recruited. RESULTS In Study 1 participants reported greater willingness to get drunk when sober than when high. This was qualified by a statistically significant interaction whereby differences were greater among those who had more experience with past 30-day heavy drinking. Similar findings emerged for willingness to use marijuana. Participants anticipated greater willingness to use marijuana when sober than when drunk. This was also qualified by a statistically significant interaction whereby differences were greater among experimental or established users of marijuana than among abstainers. Study 2 findings replicated those from Study 1. CONCLUSIONS College attending young adults state greater willingness to remain under the influence of one substance than to engage in SAM use when opportunities arise. Simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana among college students is likely an exception, not the rule. Implications for prevention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonya Dodge
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Rebecca K Hoffman
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jonah Kracke-Bock
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | - Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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4
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Jurinsky J, Perkins JM, Satinsky EN, Finch AJ. Awareness of peers in recovery and of a campus collegiate recovery community at a university in the southeastern United States. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37290002 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2209196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Little is known about the extent of student awareness about collegiate recovery communities (CRCs) and of peers in recovery. Participants: A convenience sample of 237 undergraduate students from a diverse major at a private university participated in an anonymous online survey in Fall 2019. Methods: Participants reported whether they knew about the local CRC, whether they knew a peer in recovery, sociodemographic characteristics, and other information. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate correlates of awareness of the CRC and of peers in recovery. Results: Overall, 34% were aware of the CRC and 39% knew a peer in recovery. The latter was associated with being a member of Greek life, a junior or senior, using substances regularly, and personally being in recovery. Conclusions: Future research should explore ways to increase awareness of CRCs and assess the role of connections between students in recovery and peers across campus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Jurinsky
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Emily N Satinsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew J Finch
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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5
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Boyle HK, Carey KB, Jackson KM, Merrill JE. Applying the prototype willingness model to day-level simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2023; 37:626-638. [PMID: 37079807 PMCID: PMC10238646 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prototype willingness model (PWM) provides a framework for understanding simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use by highlighting important psychosocial (e.g., attitudes, norms) predictors of and pathways (via willingness and/or intentions) to simultaneous use. We examined both the PWM reasoned and social reaction pathways in relation to simultaneous use. METHOD Eighty-nine young adults self-monitored alcohol, cannabis, and simultaneous use and related constructs for 30 days via daily assessments. RESULTS Day-level simultaneous use specific attitudes, norms, perceived vulnerability, intentions, and willingness each predicted simultaneous use, while only day-level intentions and willingness predicted number of negative consequences. We observed significant indirect effects for the two social reaction pathways examined (from descriptive norms to willingness to simultaneous use; from perceived vulnerability to willingness to simultaneous use). Only direct effects were seen for the cognitions in the reasoned pathway; injunctive norms predicted simultaneous use, and attitudes predicted simultaneous use with no mediation by intentions. CONCLUSIONS Findings support applying the PWM to event-level simultaneous use among young adults. Future work should establish if PWM day-level constructs are modifiable targets that may be utilized in intervention work focused on reducing simultaneous use and related harms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly K Boyle
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Kate B Carey
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Kristina M Jackson
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health
| | - Jennifer E Merrill
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health
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6
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Razo JM, Wickham RE, Inocian EP, Kra-Friedman AR, Steers MLN. Development and validation of the alcohol-related content poster prototype scale: Exploring the impact of social media prototypes on college students' drinking. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:796-805. [PMID: 36858808 PMCID: PMC10443082 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15038] [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] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drinking is a public health concern among college students. Viewing and posting alcohol-related content (ARC) on social media may influence students' favorable prototypes of people who post, thereby impacting their drinking. This study created a measure to explore students' ARC poster prototypes. We validated our measure by examining the prototypes as mediators of the associations between viewing and posting ARC and drinking behaviors. METHODS Students (N = 8065) were asked to complete measures related to viewing and posting ARC, drinking behaviors, and adjectives that described their perceptions of the prototypical college student who posts ARC on social media. RESULTS Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis yielded three prototypical images of students who post ARC on social media: hedonistic, despondent, and sociable. There were significant pathways between viewing and posting ARC and drinking. The sociable prototype emerged as a significant mediator of the association between ARC viewing and posting and drinking. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the role of students' poster prototypes may be important for informing targeted interventions. Our results indicate that the underlying reason for increased drinking among students with greater ARC engagement is that they perceived other ARC viewers and posters as being more sociable. Future research may focus on modifying these perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abigail R. Kra-Friedman
- Duquesne University
- Henrietta Szold School of Nursing in the Faculty of Medicine, Hadassah/Hebrew University Medical Center
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7
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Mallett KA, Turrisi R, Reavy R, Sell N, Waldron KA, Scaglione N, Ackerman SD. What Predicts Willingness to Experience Negative Consequences in College Student Drinkers? J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:704-711. [PMID: 36136441 PMCID: PMC9523755 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.20-00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has shown that students who were more willing to experience consequences reported higher rates of alcohol consumption and negative consequences. The present study used a longitudinal design to examine intra- and interpersonal consequence-specific predictors of willingness to experience negative consequences. METHOD Students (N = 2,024) were assessed in the fall (Time [T] 1) and spring (T2) semesters of their first year in college. Intrapersonal constructs (i.e., expectancies, subjective evaluations, self-efficacy), interpersonal constructs (i.e., peer descriptive, injunctive norms), and personality constructs (i.e., self-regulation, impulsivity, sensation seeking) were assessed at T1 and willingness to experience negative alcohol-related consequences was assessed 6 months later. A structural path model examined the relationship between T1 predictors and T2 willingness. T1 drinking and sex were included as covariates. RESULTS These results demonstrated significant positive relationships between T1 participants' subjective evaluations of consequences, expectancies of experiencing consequences, and T2 willingness to experience negative consequences. Further, impulsivity, sensation seeking, and T1 drinking showed significant, positive associations with willingness, whereas higher self-regulation was significantly associated with lower willingness. Men were significantly more willing to experience negative consequences than women. No significant associations were observed between normative perceptions and willingness. CONCLUSIONS Intrapersonal and personality constructs, as well as previous drinking, were significantly associated with willingness to experience consequences whereas interpersonal constructs were not. Men were significantly more willing to experience negative consequences. College student interventions may benefit from focusing on significant constructs identified in the current study (e.g., enhancing self-regulation) and focusing on students with higher willingness to experience negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Mallett
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Rob Turrisi
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Racheal Reavy
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Nichole Sell
- Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Katja A. Waldron
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Nichole Scaglione
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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8
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Bonar EE, Bauermeister JA, Blow FC, Bohnert ASB, Bourque C, Coughlin LN, Davis AK, Florimbio AR, Goldstick JE, Wisnieski DM, Young SD, Walton MA. A randomized controlled trial of social media interventions for risky drinking among adolescents and emerging adults. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109532. [PMID: 35759874 PMCID: PMC9745675 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Alcohol use among adolescents and emerging adults is an important public health issue requiring prevention approaches. Herein, we describe outcomes from a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of group-based social media interventions targeting risky drinking among youth. PROCEDURES Using social media advertisements to screen potential participants, we recruited 955 youth (ages 16-24) reporting recent risky drinking. After completing a baseline assessment, participants were randomized to 8-week secret Facebook group conditions: Social Media Intervention + Incentives for engagement, Social Media Intervention only, and attention-placebo control. Electronic coaches trained in motivational interviewing facilitated interaction in intervention groups. Primary outcomes include past 3-month alcohol use and consequences over 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include other drug use, consequences, and impaired driving. We also measured intervention engagement and acceptability. RESULTS The interventions were well-received, with significantly greater acceptability ratings and engagement in the SMI+I condition relative to other groups. In adjusted analyses, there were no significant differences between interventions and control on alcohol-related outcomes, with all groups showing reductions. Regarding secondary outcomes (70.4% used other drugs), compared to control, the incentivized group reduced other drug use, consequences, and cannabis-impaired driving; the non-incentivized group did not significantly differ from the control condition. CONCLUSIONS Among this predominantly poly-substance using sample, findings were mixed, with significant effects of the incentivized social media intervention on drug (but not alcohol) outcomes. Future studies are needed to further refine social media-delivered interventions to reduce alcohol and other drug use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02809586; University of Michigan HUM#00102242.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Bonar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 10, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Frederic C. Blow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Veterans Health Administration, Center for Clinical Management Research, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd Bldg 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amy S. B. Bohnert
- Veterans Health Administration, Center for Clinical Management Research, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd Bldg 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carrie Bourque
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lara N. Coughlin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 10, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alan K. Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 College Rd, Columbus, OH 43210 USA,Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Autumn Rae Florimbio
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason E. Goldstick
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 10, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd Bldg 10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
| | - Diane M. Wisnieski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sean D. Young
- Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697,Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Maureen A. Walton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Addiction Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Building 10, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Peterson LM, Helweg-Larsen M, DiMuccio S. Descriptive Norms and Prototypes Predict COVID-19 Prevention Cognitions and Behaviors in the United States: Applying the Prototype Willingness Model to Pandemic Mitigation. Ann Behav Med 2021; 55:1089-1103. [PMID: 34487142 PMCID: PMC8499892 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention behavior adoption occurred in a rapidly changing context. In contrast to expectancy-value theories, the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) is well-suited for investigating novel and socially informed behaviors. PURPOSE We explored whether PWM social cognitions predicted coronavirus prevention behaviors. METHOD A representative sample of United States adults (N = 738; Mage = 46.8; 51.8% women; 78% white; April 2020) who had not had COVID-19 reported PWM predictor variables (perceived vulnerability, prevention descriptive norms, prototypes engaging in prevention behavior, and prevention behavioral intentions). Two weeks later, participants reported their prevention behaviors (handwashing, mask-wearing, social distancing, etc.) and future public health behavioral willingness (contact tracing, temperature checks, etc.). RESULTS Controlling for putative demographic, past behavior, and coronavirus-contextual (e.g., local infection rates) covariates, mediation models indicated that higher norms and favorable prototypes were associated with greater prevention behavioral intentions, which in turn predicted increased prevention behavior, F(18, 705) = 92.20, p < .001, R2 = .70. Higher norms and favorable prototypes associated both directly and indirectly (through greater prevention behavioral intention) with greater willingness to engage in emerging public health behaviors, F(15, 715) = 21.49, p < .001, R2 = .31. CONCLUSIONS Greater descriptive norms and favorable prototypes for prevention behavior predicted: (a) future prevention behaviors through increases in behavioral intentions and (b) willingness to participate in emerging public health behaviors. These results held across demographic groups, political affiliation, and severity of regional outbreaks. Public health efforts to curb pandemics should highlight normative prevention participation and enhance positive prototypes.
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10
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Wolter C, Lesener T, Thomas TA, Hentschel AC, Gusy B. Finding the Right Balance: A Social Norms Intervention to Reduce Heavy Drinking in University Students. Front Public Health 2021; 9:653435. [PMID: 34178916 PMCID: PMC8222818 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.653435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Heavy alcohol consumption constitutes a major health risk among University students. Social relationships with peers strongly affect University students' perception of the drinking behavior of others, which in turn plays a crucial role in determining their own alcohol intake. University students tend to overestimate their peers' alcohol consumption – a belief that is associated with an increase in an individual's own consumption. Therefore, we implemented a social norms intervention with personalized normative feedback at a major University in Germany to reduce and prevent excessive drinking among University students. Methods: Our intervention was part of a regular health monitoring survey. We invited all enrolled University students to take part in this survey on two occasions. A total of 862 University students completed the questionnaire, 563 (65.3%) of which received e-mail-based feedback upon request concerning their peers' and their own alcohol consumption. For the intervention group (n = 190) as well as the control group (no feedback requested; n = 101), we included only University students in the evaluation who overestimated their peers' alcohol use and indicated above average consumption of the peers. We applied analyses of variance to assess intervention effects with regard to the correction of overestimated group norms as well as University students' drinking behavior. Results: Within the intervention group, we observed a significantly larger reduction of the previously overestimated behavioral norms compared to the control group (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.06). With regard to behavioral outcomes the intervention group showed a significantly larger reduction in the AUDIT-C score (p = 0.020; ηp2 = 0.03). Discussion: Our study confirms previous research whereupon personalized, gender-specific and selective normative feedback is effective for alcohol prevention among University students. However, University students still overestimated their peers' alcohol intake after the intervention. Furthermore, we did not reach high-risk groups (University students with the highest alcohol intake) since no feedback was requested. Future studies should address factors influencing the impact of the intervention and reachability of selective groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wolter
- Division of Public Health: Prevention and Psychosocial Health Research, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tino Lesener
- Division of Public Health: Prevention and Psychosocial Health Research, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Alexander Thomas
- Institute for Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Alicia-Carolin Hentschel
- Division of Public Health: Prevention and Psychosocial Health Research, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Gusy
- Division of Public Health: Prevention and Psychosocial Health Research, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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