The role of proximal-distal reference groups for descriptive and injunctive norms on college student-athlete substance use
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Christopher Seitz (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- David Wyrick
Abstract: Research findings suggest that college student-athletes are at risk for using a variety of substances, especially alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. One strategy that has shown promise in preventing substance use among student-athletes is programming rooted in the Social Norms Theory. Currently, social norms research among student-athletes in terms of injunctive norms (e.g., the perception of other people's approval of substance use) and descriptive norms (e.g., the perception of other people's substance use behaviors) is limited. Studies that have investigated injunctive norms held by student-athletes have not compared the effect of different reference groups on personal substance use behaviors. In terms of descriptive norms, past research has shown mixed findings. Some researchers have suggested that proximal norms are stronger predictors of personal substance use behaviors, while other researchers have contended that distal norms are stronger predictors. The purpose of this dissertation was to extend research on social norms reference groups held by student-athletes by comparing reference groups of injunctive norms and proximal-distal groups of descriptive norms. Specifically, this dissertation sought to answer the following research questions: (a) Do student-athlete perceptions of teammate and coach approval of substance use predict student-athlete substance use? (b) Do student-athlete perceptions of substance use by proximal and distal reference groups predict student-athlete substance use? To answer the first research question, a convenience sample of 3,339 student-athletes from 54 NCAA colleges and universities completed a survey about their personal substance use and their perceptions of teammate and coach approval of substance use. A multi-level model regression analysis indicated that the perception of approval from both teammates and coaches predicted the participants' substance use behaviors. To answer the second research question regarding descriptive norms, a convenience sample of 3,347 student-athletes from 32 NCAA colleges and universities completed a survey about their personal substance use and their perceptions of substance use among close friends and college athletes. A multi-level model regression analysis indicated that only the perception of substance use among close friends acted as a predictor of participant substance use behaviors. This dissertation contains further explanations of the findings, recommendations for future research, and a description of the studies' methodological limitations.
The role of proximal-distal reference groups for descriptive and injunctive norms on college student-athlete substance use
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Created on 5/1/2013
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2013
- Keywords
- Alcohol, Athletes, College, Perceptions, Social Norms Theory, Substance Use
- Subjects
- College athletes $x Alcohol use $z United States
- College athletes $x Drug use $z United States
- College athletes $x Substance use $z United States
- Social norms $x Psychological aspects