Normative influences and alcohol consumption: the role of drinking refusal self-efficacy.
This article extends the theory of normative social behavior by conceptualizing drinking refusal self-efficacy as an important moderator in the relationship between descriptive norms and drinking intentions and behavior. A study was conducted among Korean high school students (N = 538) to assess their normative perceptions, drinking refusal self-efficacy, and drinking intentions. We found a significant association between self-efficacy and drinking intentions and behavior, as well as an interaction effect between self-efficacy and descriptive norms on drinking intentions and behavior. Having stronger efficacy appears to mitigate the harmful effects of descriptive norms on drinking intentions and behavior. Implications for school-based interventions are also discussed.
Department of Communication , University of Missouri-St. Louis, MO 63121, USA. jangs@umsl.edu
Su Ahn
SA
Jang
Rajiv N
RN
Rimal
Namauk
N
Cho
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012919:Social Behavior