Norms, attitudes, perceptions, and intentions for benzodiazepine prescription drug abuse among adolescents

Author

Angela K. O'Neill

Date Approved

2011

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Committee Member

Kathleen Mullen Conley, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Jeffrey Schulz, PhD

Committee Member

Jeffrey Clark, HSD

Abstract

A cross-sectional, quantitative study was utilized to test the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) regarding the prediction of adolescents’ behavioral intentions for benzodiazepine abuse. Subjective norms, perceived harm, and perceived behavioral control were measured to predict intentions to abuse such drugs. Similar measures for alcohol and marijuana also were assessed for comparison purposes. A survey was administered to 371 students in 8^th, 10^th, and 12^th grades from the Chelsea School District (CSD) in March 2011. Inferential statistics, including binary logistic regression, chi-square, and repeated measures ANCOVA were used to test the null hypotheses. It was found that behavioral intentions for benzodiazepine abuse were significantly predicted by subjective norms, perceived harm, and perceived behavioral control for these drugs, specifically regarding taking someone else’s prescription medication. More assessment is needed to validate and generalize the results of the present study.

Recommended Citation

O'Neill, Angela K., "Norms, attitudes, perceptions, and intentions for benzodiazepine prescription drug abuse among adolescents" (2011). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 422.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/422