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Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use Among Youth of Mexican Heritage

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Abstract

This study examined the applicability of extending the theory of planned behavior to explain the normative processes in substance use among Mexican-heritage youth. The theory identifies norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control as predictors of intentions, which in turn, predict behaviors. To date, the theory had a limited conceptualization of norms and had not been extended to youth of Mexican descent, one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population and one at particular risk for alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Based on norm focus theory, it was hypothesized that norms are multidimensional, consisting of parental injunctive, peer injunctive, descriptive, and personal substance use norms. Second, it was hypothesized that parental injunctive, peer injunctive, and descriptive norms indirectly affect substance use intentions through attitudes, personal norms, and perceived behavioral control. The third hypothesis postulated that the model would operate differently based on Mexican-heritage youths’ country of origin. Mexican-heritage youth (N = 1,499) from 30 elementary schools in Phoenix, AZ completed questionnaires in three waves over 18 months as part of a larger study. The findings supported the first hypothesis, showing the multidimensionality of norms. The second hypothesis was partially supported by findings from a multi-group multilevel path analysis using Mplus. Descriptive norms’ association with intentions was partially mediated by attitudes, personal norms, and perceived behavioral control, while parental and peer injunctive norms were fully mediated, partially supporting the second hypothesis. Contrary to the third hypothesis, the mediation model did not differ based on Mexican-heritage youths’ country of origin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Communication Arts & Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 234 Sparks Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Jennifer A. Kam & Michael L. Hecht

  2. CELESE, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

    Masaki Matsunaga

  3. Department of Communication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Khadidiatou Ndiaye

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  1. Jennifer A. Kam
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  2. Masaki Matsunaga
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  3. Michael L. Hecht
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  4. Khadidiatou Ndiaye
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Correspondence to Jennifer A. Kam.

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This publication was supported by both Grant Numbers RO1 DA005629 and T32 DA017629 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to the Pennsylvania State University (Grant Recipient). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Kam, J.A., Matsunaga, M., Hecht, M.L. et al. Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use Among Youth of Mexican Heritage. Prev Sci 10, 41–53 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-008-0110-0

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