Ethnic and Gender Differences in Normative Perceptions of Substances Use and Actual Use Among College Students

• NCJ Number: 244265
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: July-September 2013 Pages: 228-241
• Author(s): Sarah J. Javier; Faye Z. Belgrave; Katherine E. Vatalaro Hill; Joann T. Richardson
• Date Published: September 2013
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined perceived norms about alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use among the college students at an ethnically diverse university.

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to examine whether perceived norms about cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use differed from actual use by ethnicity using data from the 2011 College Health Survey (N = 974). Analyses of covariance controlling for year in college and sorority or fraternity membership indicated a higher mean discrepancy scores for all substances for minority students compared with White students. Results suggest that minorities may be at an increased risk for substance use due to their perception that the typical student is using more than they actually are. An implication is that social marketing messages may need to be tailored to recognize these discrepancies. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.