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01-09-2007 | Original Paper

Injunctive Norms and Problem Gambling among College Students

Authors: Clayton Neighbors, Ty W. Lostutter, Ursula Whiteside, Nicole Fossos, Denise D. Walker, Mary E. Larimer

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 3/2007

Abstract

Two studies examined the relationships among injunctive norms and college student gambling. In study 1 we evaluated the accuracy of perceptions of other students’ approval of gambling and the relationship between perceived approval and gambling behavior. In study 2 we evaluated gambling behavior as a function of perceptions of approval of other students, friends, and family. In study 1, which included 2524 college students, perceptions of other students’ approval of gambling were found to be overestimated and were negatively associated with gambling behavior. The results of study 2, which included 565 college students, replicated the findings of study 1 and revealed positive associations between gambling behavior and perceived approval of friends and family. Results highlight the complexity of injunctive norms and the importance of considering the reference group (e.g., peers, friends, family members) in their evaluation. Results also encourage caution in considering the incorporation of injunctive norms in prevention and intervention approaches.

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Title: Injunctive Norms and Problem Gambling among College Students
Authors: Clayton Neighbors
Ty W. Lostutter
Ursula Whiteside
Nicole Fossos
Denise D. Walker
Mary E. Larimer
Publication date: 01-09-2007
Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 3/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-007-9059-3

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