Perceptions Of Norms Research Articles

Drinking Buddies: The Importance of Proximal Norms in Emerging Adults’ Alcohol-Related Private and Public Social Media Use

ABSTRACT Exposure to alcohol posts on social media has been found to be associated with emerging adults’ alcohol use. An important mechanism through which this association seems to occur are social norms. Thus far, however, research has not differentiated between proximal and distal norms and has not accounted for the private (e.g. Instagram private features, Snapchat) and public media outlets (e.g. Instagram public features) through which these norms might have been constructed. The results of our online survey among emerging adults (N = 789, Mage = 21.46, SDage = 1.88, 56.4% female), therefore, showed that exposure to alcohol posts on private SNS features in combination with descriptive proximal norms, instead of more public SNS features and distal norms, played an important role in emerging adults’ alcohol use. As such, future research should focus more thoroughly on the interrelations between SNS private features and proximal normative perceptions and try to better understand on which social cues normative perceptions of proximal other’s alcohol consumption are based.

Societal and cultural norms that expose children to early alcohol use in Amhara Region rural community, Ethiopia

BackgroundResearch on underage drinking reveals several factors that expose children to alcohol consumption, ranging from a child's personality to contextual factors. We examined societal and cultural norms that expose children to the early age of onset for alcohol use, and how community members perceive child alcohol consumption. MethodsThree focus group discussions were conducted with 36 religious leaders, elders, and locality officials; and semi-structured interviews were held with 11 women who sell alcoholic drinks near schools. ResultsThe findings showed nine underlying norms and assumptions that contribute to alcohol provision to minors. These norms and assumptions are mostly related to the knowledge gap regarding how alcohol harms children (and adults) and the perception of the social norms that support the drinking culture as unproblematic. ConclusionEffective intervention and educational programs should aim at addressing the basic knowledge gap about alcoholic drinks and alcohol use disorder. In addition, challenging the harmful child-rearing practices and the feeling of resignation in life in these communities is necessary. Suggestions for short-term training and long-term educational programs are provided.

Exploring Social Norms and Control Coercive on Intimate Partner Violence in the Young. Implications for Prevention.

This empirical work focuses on social norms as a way of transmitting psychological violence in young people, which could be affecting the effectiveness of preventive programs in dating violence. These programs are effective in changing beliefs, but new intervention approaches are in demand due to the former's limitations in achieving behavioral changes. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate that some dimensions of psychological violence are transmitted as a descriptive social norm, without any need of victimization. In a sample of 1,265 people (18-25 years old) and through two different studies, we explored the perception of prescriptive and descriptive social norms in situations of coercive control applied to three contexts (Study 1), isolation and domination (Study 2), under the hypothesis that coercive control is passed on as a descriptive social norm between peers. Characteristics describing diversity are taken into account. The results in frequency and Structural Equation Model analysis confirm the main hypothesis, because both perceptions are not correlated. Social norms no covariate with social characteristics. Same cannot be said of isolation and domination, leading to three conclusions for prevention. (1) Not all psychological violence works the same. Coercive control starts from a primary cognitive process that requires complementary actions, based for example on the cognitive hierarchy among social norms; (2) Preventive programs are often based on "prescribed" behaviors, related to the consequences they have on victims, whereas the descriptive social norm found in this study does not correlate with victimization, unless control is applied to specific contexts. Therefore, an additional effort in prevention could go deeper with more specific behaviors that show both the different types of psychological violence and the contexts of application; (3) Finally, at the policy level, results found call for the need for preventive efforts on psychological violence in the 18 to 25 age group and specific awareness campaigns.

Prom, graduation and parties: Alcohol use and normative perceptions among high school seniors during specific events

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that a majority of adolescents in the United States initiate and drink alcohol prior to graduating high school and nearly twenty percent of high school seniors engage in heavy episodic drinking. Despite anecdotal evidence and media portrayals of alcohol use during high school events (e.g., prom), little is understood about alcohol use surrounding specific events that may be identified as “high-risk” events and addressed in specific interventions. Similarly, normative perceptions exert powerful influence on behaviors but little is understood about normative perceptions of alcohol use at high school events. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to understand whether high school alcohol use is associated with specific events by describing behaviors and normative perceptions. MethodsParticipants were 386 U.S. college students age 18 to 19 (60.4 % female, mean age = 18.4) who provided retrospective accounts of their alcohol use surrounding senior year high school events (either before, which is relevant to pregaming addressed in this special issue, during, or after). ResultsMost students did not drink surrounding high school events but nearly all reported that they perceived that the typical high school senior did. Those who did drink alcohol tended to drink heavily, particularly during prom. Alcohol use was associated with other high school events ranging from the beginning of senior year (e.g., Homecoming) though the end (e.g., graduation parties) ConclusionsResults indicate the importance of future research efforts tailoring intervention efforts around specific events and the applicability of personalized normative feedback approaches.

Characterization and prediction of gambling behavior in adolescents using the COM-B model.

Gambling is an international phenomenon, posing a serious threat to adolescents who begin gambling at a young age. This study aims, to explore gambling behavior in adolescents and interpret its risk factors. We conducted a three-waves cohort longitudinal study assessing gambling and associated risk factors in south-eastern Spain. Data were analyzed using the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, Behavior (COM-B) model and the partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM) technique. Gambling was measured by frequency and money spent; associated factors were knowledge about gambling, parental attitude towards gambling, risk perception, normative perception, and intention to gamble. These items were assigned as indicators of each construct of the COM-B model-capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior-using the theoretical domains framework. Once the behavior was performed, feedback on future capability, opportunity, and motivation was observed. Results show that capability, determined by past experience, and opportunity, determined by parental attitudes, motivates adolescents to seek gambling experiences in the future. Identifying such factors that affect gambling behavior in adolescents and establishing relationships between them through a robust theoretical model is essential for designing effective interventions.

Impact of Changing Socioeconomic Conditions on Family Caregiving Norms: Evidence from Japan.

Eldercare is a major public health concern in many East Asian countries, including Japan, because of the ever-growing elderly population, and significant changes in family caregiving norms. The changes are due to global diffusion and the influence of socioeconomic and demographic shifts. Consequently, perceptions of the norm of family caregiving need investigation. We examined how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence the perception of family caregiving norms in Japan, using data from Osaka University's preference parameter study. According to the results of the probit regression, age, education, full-time employment, marital status, the number of sons and daughters, interactions between females and age and females and full-time employment, and parents' education are negatively related to the participants' perceptions of family caregiving norms. Our results suggest that people traditionally perceived as caregivers are less likely to have a positive attitude towards family caregiving, despite the government's efforts through Universal Long-Term Care Insurance, implemented in 2000. Therefore, authorities must reassess the role of families, explore alternative forms of community-based care, and provide more assistance to caregivers.

Physical Activity, Confidence, and Social Norms Associated With Teachers' Classroom Physical Activity Break Implementation.

Despite the benefits of classroom physical activity breaks on student health and academic outcomes, more research is needed to understand what factors may be associated with classroom physical activity break implementation, to bolster buy-in from school stakeholders and increase implementation. This quantitative study examined frequency of classroom physical activity break implementation in relation to (1) objectively measured teachers' physical activity and sedentary behaviors, (2) confidence for leading classroom physical activity breaks, (3) social norms (perceptions of other teachers' classroom physical activity break implementation), and (4) teacher- and school-level demographics. In total, 153 classroom teachers in 20 elementary and middle schools completed a survey including classroom physical activity break frequency, confidence, and social norms, one item each, dichotomized (1 = "most/all the time" OR "agree/strongly agree"). Accelerometry assessed total activity and daytime sedentary behavior. Analyses included multilevel binary logistic regression. Teachers were 90% female, 68% White, and 55% in elementary schools. Odds of implementing classroom physical activity breaks were lower among middle school teachers, 14 times greater among those with greater confidence, and over 17 times greater when teachers perceived others frequently implementing classroom physical activity breaks. Teacher activity was not associated with classroom physical activity break implementation. Future interventions to increase classroom physical activity break implementation should focus on increasing teachers' confidence to lead classroom physical activity breaks and creating more buy-in from classroom teachers to enhance each school's culture of health. By enhancing teacher confidence and social norms for implementing classroom physical activity breaks, we may increase school-based physical activity opportunities.

Explaining littering prevention among park visitors using the Theory of Planned Behavior and Norm Activation Model

The increasing concern for environmental issues and degradation has gained much attention over the past few decades. Tourist destinations and natural areas are vulnerable to human-caused environmental problems such as littering. This study examines the factors that determine and shape environmentally responsible intended behavior, specifically preventing littering of natural park visitors. The present study integrated the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Norm Activation Model. The hypothesis was tested using a survey of 328 individuals who visited Mount Merapi National Park, Indonesia. The structural equation modeling result showed that attitude and perceived behavior control are positively linked to intended behavior. Despite the research's findings, an individual's commitment to environmentally friendly behavior would not be driven by personal subjective norms. By accepting responsibility, one develops personal norms that urge one to be more aware of the consequences of one's actions. Personal norms also significantly impact perceptions of behavioral control, attitude, and subjective norms. The result adds to the body of literature regarding visitors to national parks. Furthermore, this study outlines the power of personal norms on the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (perceived behavioral control, attitude, and subjective norm). There is a discussion of the study's potential real-world applications and its directions for further research.

Role Perceptions in Climate Science Communication

ABSTRACT Climate science communication holds the potential to stimulate a renegotiation of the conventional roles in the science-society interface. As climate science is conducted within a context of uncertainty, disputed values, high-stakes, and urgency it promises to alter the demands placed on scientists, journalists, and citizens in the public discussion of the research. This study reviews the extant literature on the role perceptions among these three actors to examine how they perceive their own and each other's ideal roles. Based on a systematic literature search and a thematic reading, the examination shows that the normative role perceptions of climate scientists and climate journalists are relatively well described, while the ideal role of citizens in the discussion of climate science has received far less scholarly attention. Activism is shown to be a recurring theme in the discussion of the roles of climate scientists and climate journalists. The literature on the role of citizens is preoccupied with what level of scientific competence citizens ought to possess.

The effect of vaping cues in e-cigarette advertisements on normative perceptions about cigarettes among young adults who use cigarettes and e-cigarettes in Boston

IntroductionE-cigarette advertising frequently involves vaping cues–hand to mouth motions and vapor–that physically resemble traditional cigarette smoking cues. There has been concern that these vaping cues could make cigarettes seem more frequently used and acceptable by society. This analysis examined whether exposure to vaping cues in e-cigarette ads influence descriptive and injunctive normative perceptions about cigarettes among young adults who use cigarettes and e-cigarettes (dual use). MethodSecondary analysis was conducted on an experiment that randomly exposed young adults living in Boston who dual used in the past-week to either 1) E-cigarette ads with vaping cues; 2) E-cigarette ads that edited out vaping cues; or 3) Beverage ads. Descriptive and injunctive normative perceptions about cigarettes were compared across participants who viewed e-cigarette ads with vaping cues versus those who viewed ads without vaping cues. ResultsThose who viewed e-cigarette ads with vaping cues had decreased perceptions that cigarette smoking was common compared to those who viewed e-cigarette ads without vaping cues. Exposure to e-cigarette ads with vaping cues also led to increased perceptions of other peoples’ unfavorable views toward cigarette smoking in general and their own cigarette smoking. ConclusionContrary to renormalization concerns, vaping cues in e-cigarette ads increased anti-smoking normative perceptions among people who dual used in the past week. Further research is needed to examine the impact of vaping cues in e-cigarette ads on normative perceptions among those who don’t smoke or quit smoking cigarettes.

The Silent Cry (1967) revisited through affect theory

The 1994 Nobel laureate Ōe Kenzaburō, (1935–) is well-known for his moral commitment as a writer to remind us of the dark legacy of WWII and the Japanese role in it by critically reexamining history. Representative of work in this regard, The Silent Cry (Man’en gan’nen no futtobôru 1967) introduces multiple perspectives on the past both diachronically and synchronically to challenge the normative perception of history. This article attempts to close-read the novel through the lens of affect theory by tracing the trajectories of affect that propel the narrative machinery forward and investigate how they influence the perception of history on the part of the characters. In contradistinction to more self-conscious emotions, affect often catches us unawares and gets us unhinged. Rereading the novel with focus on the affective unconscious among the characters, I hope to bring into relief their partiality, vulnerability, and limited self-knowledge, which according to Judith Butler, should be seen as a sign of our ‘sociality’, that which connects us rather than divides us. This may in turn guide us toward new Butlerian ethics ‘based on our shared’, ‘partial blindness about ourselves’, that is less judgmental and more generous.

Examining Potential Mechanisms of an Online Universal Prevention for Adolescent Alcohol Use: a Causal Mediation Analysis

Several universal school-based prevention programs, notably the Australian Climate Schools program, have proven efficacious at reducing and maintaining a lower level of harmful alcohol consumption relative to a control condition. Yet, there are limited studies investigating the potential mechanisms that account for the reduction in harmful alcohol consumption. The current study utilised modern causal mediation analysis to investigate whether several harm minimisation and social influence mediators could jointly account for the intervention effect observed in a large school-based sample. Four mediators representing knowledge, attitudes, normative perceptions, and self-efficacy to resist peer pressure were entered into a multiple casual mediation model using the potential outcomes framework. The results did not provide evidence for a joint multiple mediation model consisting of the hypothesised harm minimisation and social influence mediators. Additional research is required to further investigate the potential mechanisms underlying universal school-based prevention programs including social connectedness and cultural/environmental factors.

Exposure to images showing (non)adherence to physical distancing rules: Effect on adherence behavior and perceived social norms

Adherence to behavioral measures such as physical distancing are key to mitigating the effects of viral pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Adherence depends in part on people's perception of what others do (descriptive norms) or approve of (injunctive norms). This study examines the effects that exposure to images depicting people following or breaking physical distancing rules have on perceptions of descriptive and injunctive norms and subsequent adherence behavior. An online between-subjects experiment (n = 315) was conducted, in which participants were exposed to a set of five photographs of different public spaces in which people either did or did not adhere to physical distancing rules (pre-registration: https://www.osf.io/uek2p). Participants' adherence behavior was measured using a triangulation of measures (incentivized online behavioral task, vignettes, intention measure). Perceptions of relevant social norms were also measured. Mann-Whitney tests showed no effects of condition on perceptions of descriptive and injunctive norms or on adherence behavior. Linear regressions showed that both component paths of the indirect effect (condition on norm perceptions, and norm perceptions on adherence behavior) were non-significant, hence mediation analyses were not conducted. Exposure to images of people following (compared to breaking) physical distancing rules did not affect adherence to such rules or perceived norms. We surmise that a single exposure to such images, especially in the context of COVID-19, is insufficient to affect behavior. We therefore recommend performing a comparable experiment in which participants are exposed repeatedly to images showing people (non)adhering to a specific behavior in a particular context for a longer period.

A longitudinal examination of relations between competitive athletic participation, drinking norms, impulsivity, and sensation seeking and binge drinking throughout college.

College athletes are a high-risk group for heavy drinking and related risky behaviors and consequences. However, most prior work examining drinking behavior in college athletes has been cross-sectional. Drinking norms predict drinking among athletes, but other potential risk factors, including personality traits have received limited attention. Using data from a large sample (n = 2,245) of college students, we examined athletic participation, high-risk personality traits (i.e., impulsivity, sensation seeking), and perceptions of peer drinking behavior (descriptive and injunctive norms) as predictors of binge drinking from prior to college entry through 2 years postcollege. Negative binomial latent growth models were used to examine these predictors of patterns of drinking across the college years. Binge drinking increased through the first 3 years of college before leveling off and decreasing postcollege. Controlling for significant effects of sensation seeking and perceptions of peer attitudes and drinking behaviors, athletic participation at T1 was associated with greater binge drinking at matriculation and greater athletic participation was associated with greater risk across the college years. Normative perceptions and sensation seeking also predicted concurrent drinking in Year 4 of college and impulsivity emerged as an additional predictor. Sensation seeking emerged as a significant predictor of greater postcollege binge drinking. Athletic participation in Year 4 of college indicated no significant risk for greater binge drinking during Year 4 or following graduation. Early participation in competitive athletics was associated with risk for binge drinking, even when accounting for several social and personality factors. Future studies using momentary assessment may be fruitful for identifying within-subject pathways of risk, including athlete specific factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The Russian language norm in social perception

An important task of the language policy of the Russian Federation as a multinational state is to strengthen the unity and integrity of the country. In the context of multilingualism, the main unifying factor is the Russian language. Recently, there has been a decrease in the level of literacy of the population, a deviation from the language norms. The questions of standardisation and codification of language are not only the domain of linguistics. The language norm is a powerful tool of language policy, plays an important role in the formation, strengthening and development of national identity. The article presents an overview of the theoretical understanding of the language norm from the standpoint of scientific discourse and the legal framework. Based on the results of all-Russian sociological studies, the significance for the population of problems associated with raising the language culture level has been revealed. The purpose of the study is designated as revealing the status of the language norm in the legislative, linguistic and social aspects, determining the role of public perception of the language norm in strengthening the language policy of the Russian Federation. The main methods used were content analysis of normative documents and scientific literature, empirical analysis of secondary data from all-Russian sociological surveys, methods of generalization and interpretation. It has been found found that the citizens of Russia consider Russian language and language processes important, strive for the language literacy, and recognise the role of the state in regulating language policy and language norm-setting. It has been shown that the native speakers’ assessments can be used to strengthen the language policy in the Russian Federation, clarify its urgent tasks and their optimal solution.

Social norms of alcohol use among American Indian/Alaska Native college students.

Research on misperceived descriptive and injunctive drinking norms, or normative perceptions of frequency, quantity, and acceptability of drinking, has rarely been extended to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) college student populations. Ethnic identity, or strength of one's ties to their AI/AN culture, has been hypothesized as a protective factor against problematic alcohol use. As a step toward informing culturally appropriate and gender-specific norms-based interventions for AI/AN students, this study examined differences between perceived and actual descriptive and injunctive drinking norm reference groups (e.g., AI/AN males/females, "typical" males/females), and investigated ethnic identity as a moderator between perceived and actual drinking norms. AI/AN college students (N = 356) completed an online survey assessing drinking patterns, descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and ethnic identity. Compared to actual drinking levels, participants overestimated all gender-specific descriptive norm groups and all gender-specific injunctive norm groups except for AI/AN males. Participants estimated lower drinking levels for AI/AN-specific groups than non-AI/AN groups. Descriptive AI/AN male and best male friend norms significantly predicted drinking for men while only best female friend norms predicted drinking for women. Injunctive typical male norms significantly predicted drinking for men, and no injunctive norms predicted drinking for women. Finally, ethnic identity was unrelated to drinking and did not significantly moderate the relation between perceived and actual drinking. Current findings may inform norms-based alcohol use interventions, as AI/AN-specific reference groups may have a significant impact on drinking among men, but not women. Future culturally relevant alcohol use intervention research for AI/AN young adults is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Analysis of Green Self Identity and Environment Concern on Adopt Electric Vehicle Intention with Perception of EV and Subjective Norm as Mediation Variables

The issue of environmental damage often arises in recent years, as a result of continuous and uncontrolled emission of harmful atmospheric pollutants. through various human activities. The consumption of fossil fuels by industry as well as the transportation system is considered to be the main reason, from which several studies have paid considerable attention to the pollution caused by vehicles. As indicated by the statistics of the International Energy Agency (IEA), a recent estimate of the number of one million vehicles used worldwide, with daily consumption of about 60 million barrels per day (nearly 70% of total oil production); nearly 36 million barrels of daily oil consumption is attributed to private vehicles, which cause the emission of 14 million tons of carbon dioxide. As a result, the replacement of conventional vehicles with renewable energy vehicles can be considered as a promising solution. In this regard, electric vehicles are expected to reduce negative effects on the environment and also help conserve scarce non-renewable fuel reserves throughout the life cycle. Electric Vehicles are considered an effective alternative to sustaining transportation through the reduction of oil dependence and subsequent air pollution, leading to significant health and environmental benefits. The purpose of this study is to analyze consumer behavior towards the intention to adopt an electric vehicle by involving the variables of Green Self Identity, Environment Concern, Perception of Electric Vehicle, and Subjective Norms. With 250 respondents spread across Indonesia and using the SmartPLS software, the results of a partial analysis of Green Self Identity proved to have an effect on Environment Concern. Meanwhile, Environment Concern was proven to affect Perception of EV and Subjective Norms, but did not affect Adoption Intention. For the indirect effect analysis, Perception of EV and Subjective Norms variables proved to be mediating variables between Environment Concern and Adoption Intention.

Integrating norms into the logic of energy and environmental policymaking

Norms play a powerful role in shaping behaviors like energy consumption and adoption of clean energy technologies. Interventions that specifically target norm perceptions (like home energy reports featuring social comparisons) are widely deployed and studied. However, traditional policy tools like financial incentives and mandates may also affect perceived norms, and these dynamics remain poorly understood. Early research on these unintended norm-based effects suggests that they may be large and could either undermine or enhance the effect of financial incentives depending upon context. We argue that understanding the dynamics of norm-based effects could increase the impact and equity of energy and environmental policies. In this paper, we develop a model that describes how policies (including incentives, mandates, and informational interventions) may shape behavior through both norm-based and incentive-based mechanisms and identify high-impact areas of future study.

A Quantitative Inquiry into South African Undergraduate University Students’ Perceptions of Religiously Sanctioned Homophobia

The paper investigates the factors that inform university undergraduate students’ perceptions of religiously sanctioned homophobia. Data was drawn from a quantitative survey conducted in 2017 on students’ perceptions of social norms, heteronormativity, and homophobia at a South African urban-based university. A total of 330 undergraduate students completed the survey. The study found statistically significant correlations between the factors of sex, degree of religiosity and family socialization and the undergraduate students’ perceptions of religiously sanctioned homophobia. Male students demonstrated more support for religiously sanctioned homophobia than did female students. Students with a higher degree of religiosity were more likely to support statements that enforced homophobia than did students with a lower degree of religiosity. Students who had been socialized in homophobic families were more likely to support religiously sanctioned homophobia than were students who had grown up in more tolerant families. The study did not find statistically significant correlations between the factors of frequency of exposure to religious services and place of origin and the undergraduate students’ perceptions of religiously sanctioned homophobia. The paper makes a substantive contribution to the limited South African studies that focus on the broader student population’s perceptions of religiously sanctioned homophobia.

Intention of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Sri Lankan Context: A structural equation model approach

Introduction: The intention on vaccination of COVID-19 is influenced by demographic and psychological factors. An understanding of the factors that influence the intention of COVID-19 vaccination is important to achieve the successful vaccination programs. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the critical factors affecting the intention of COVID-19 vaccination in Sri Lanka. Methodology: An online questionnaire was implemented amongst Sri Lankans to acquire the primary data. The questionnaire assessed the social demographic features, vaccination details, perception and intention about the vaccination, social norm, media exposure, and trust towards vaccines. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the demographic characters and vaccination details. The structural equation model was used to analyse the relationship between the intention of COVID-19 vaccination and other relevant factors. Results: The results showed that the perception of vaccine, social norms and trust were significantly related with people’s intention towards vaccination, whereas media exposure showed an insignificant relationship with the intention towards vaccination. Meanwhile, perception about vaccine and media exposure had significant relationships between trust of the vaccines. Conclusion: It was conclusive that the intention of the COVID-19 vaccination was greatly influenced by the perception of vaccine, social norms and trust besides media exposure, which had an indirect effect on intention towards vaccination of COVID-19.