The theory of planned behavior and binge drinking among undergraduate students Flashcards
What is the central focus of Norman’s (2011) study?
The study investigates how the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) explains binge drinking among undergraduate students and assesses the impact of habit strength on drinking behaviors.
What is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)?
The TPB is a psychological model that links intentions to behavior, proposing that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence intentions, which then predict behavior.
What are the key components of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in the context of binge drinking?
Attitudes: Personal evaluations of binge drinking (positive or negative).
Subjective Norms: Perceived social pressure to engage in binge drinking.
Perceived Behavioral Control: The perceived ease or difficulty of engaging in binge drinking, influenced by factors like self-control and opportunities.
What role does habit strength play in binge drinking behavior according to the study?
Habit strength refers to the automaticity of binge drinking behavior. Stronger drinking habits may override intentions and reduce the influence of TPB components on drinking behavior.
How is habit strength measured in the context of this study?
Habit strength is measured using questions that assess how automatic and consistent binge drinking behaviors are in the student participants’ daily lives.
What is the relationship between habit strength and binge drinking behavior?
The study suggests that stronger drinking habits are associated with higher levels of binge drinking, even when intentions to avoid it are present.
How does attitude toward binge drinking affect behavior in the Theory of Planned Behavior model?
Positive attitudes toward binge drinking (seeing it as enjoyable or fun) increase the likelihood of engaging in the behavior, while negative attitudes reduce the likelihood.
How do subjective norms influence binge drinking in TPB?
If students perceive that peers and important others approve of binge drinking, they are more likely to engage in it, as subjective norms are a significant influence on intentions.
How does perceived behavioral control impact binge drinking intentions?
Higher perceived behavioral control (believing one can control their drinking) can reduce binge drinking, while lower perceived control (feeling unable to resist the urge to drink) increases the likelihood of binge drinking.
How does habit strength interact with the components of TPB in predicting binge drinking?
Habit strength moderates the impact of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control on binge drinking behavior. Strong habits make it more likely for individuals to drink even if their intentions or attitudes change.
What is the main finding of Norman’s (2011) study regarding binge drinking?
The study finds that habit strength plays a crucial role in binge drinking behavior. Stronger drinking habits make the intentions and attitudes predicted by the TPB less effective in changing behavior.
How can the findings of the study inform interventions to reduce binge drinking among students?
Interventions should not only target attitudes, norms, and perceived control but also focus on breaking or modifying drinking habits to reduce binge drinking among students.
What are the implications of Norman’s (2011) findings for understanding addictive behaviors?
The study highlights that habitual behaviors can undermine the effectiveness of cognitive models like TPB, suggesting the need for strategies that address both intentions and the automaticity of certain behaviors (like binge drinking).
How does habit strength complicate efforts to predict and change binge drinking behavior?
Habitual drinking reduces the predictive power of intentions, making it harder to change behavior through cognitive strategies alone. Interventions must address the automaticity of the behavior.
What is the role of self-control in the Theory of Planned Behavior and binge drinking?
Self-control is a key aspect of perceived behavioral control. Higher self-control can reduce binge drinking, as students with better self-regulation are more likely to resist drinking despite social influences or positive attitudes toward it.
