Beliefs About Peer Norms
Beliefs About Peer Norms used in psychology are essential tools for clinical and research assessments. This post is based on dissertations submitted by students during their academic programs. At ‘Mental Health,’ we arrange and provide these resources to you. Here is the complete list of resources (Click Here). To access these materials, click on the ‘Avail File’ section below.”
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About Beliefs About Peer Norms
The Beliefs About Peer Norms scale, developed by Hansen & McNeal in 1997, is an essential tool used to assess individuals’ perceptions of the behaviors and attitudes of their peers, particularly in relation to substance use. This tool plays a crucial role in understanding how peer influences affect decision-making and behavior, especially in adolescence, where peer norms are often a strong determinant of actions. The scale is especially helpful in research, prevention programs, and interventions that focus on modifying perceptions about what is considered typical or acceptable behavior among peers.
Purpose of the Tool
The Beliefs About Peer Norms scale is designed to measure an individual’s perceptions of their peers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use. It evaluates the extent to which individuals believe that their peers are engaging in, or are supportive of, behaviors such as drinking, smoking, and drug use. By identifying these perceived norms, the tool can be used to guide intervention programs aimed at reducing substance use by reshaping beliefs about peer behaviors.
Description of the Tool
The scale consists of items that assess how an individual perceives the behaviors and attitudes of their peer group regarding substance use. Respondents are asked to indicate how much they agree with statements about their peers’ substance use habits and attitudes, such as “Most of my friends think it’s okay to drink alcohol” or “My peers smoke regularly.”
The results of this tool provide insights into two main dimensions:
- Perceived Behavioral Norms: What individuals believe their peers are doing in terms of substance use (e.g., drinking alcohol, using drugs, or smoking).
- Perceived Attitudinal Norms: What individuals believe their peers think about substance use, whether they approve or disapprove of certain behaviors.
Scores are typically collected using a Likert scale, with higher scores indicating a stronger belief that peers engage in or support substance use. Research has shown that adolescents who perceive substance use as normal or acceptable among their peers are more likely to engage in those behaviors themselves.
Age Group
The Beliefs About Peer Norms scale is particularly suited for adolescents and young adults, making it ideal for use in school-based interventions, prevention programs, and community health initiatives aimed at reducing substance use among youth.
References
Hansen, W. B., & McNeal, R. B. (1997). How D.A.R.E. works: An examination of program effects on mediating variables. Health Education & Behavior, 24(2), 165-176.
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Reference File: Addiction-A5
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