Predicting College Student Gambling Frequency Using the Theory of Planned Behvior: Does the Theory Work Differently for Disordered and Non-Disordered Gamblers?

We examined whether disordered gambling moderates the prediction of gambling behavior via the theory of planned behavior (TPB; i.e., intentions, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes) among college students. A convenience sample of undergraduate students (N=377) at a large, Southeastern university who gambled in the past year completed a classroom-based survey. Approximately half of participants were male (n = 205; 54.4%), and the majority were Caucasian (n = 310; 83.8%). Gambling frequency, gambling problems and gambling-specific TPB constructs were assessed via a cross-sectional survey. A series of regression analyses were conducted to test the utility of the TPB model to predict gambling behavior (i.e., frequency) among (1) non-disordered gamblers (N=342) and (2) disordered gamblers (N=35). Moderation analyses indicated that disordered gamblers might not proceed through the thought processes that guide gambling in non-disordered gamblers. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously, as our study was limited by a small number of lifetime disordered gamblers

Using the theory of planned behavior to predict gambling behavior

Gambling is an important public health concern. To better understand gambling behavior, we conducted a classroom-based survey that assessed the role of the theory of planned behavior (TPB; i.e., intentions, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes) in past year gambling and gambling frequency among college students. Results from this research support the utility of the TPB to explain gambling behavior in this population. Specifically, in TPB models to predict gambling behavior, friend and family subjective norms and perceived behavioral control predicted past year gambling and friend and family subjective norms, attitudes and perceived behavioral control predicted gambling frequency. Intention to gamble mediated these relationships. These findings suggest that college responsible gambling efforts should consider targeting misperceptions of approval regarding gambling behavior (i.e., subjective norms), personal approval of gambling behavior (i.e., attitudes), and perceived behavioral control to better manage gambling behavior in various situations

Investigating multiple layers of influence on sexual assault in a university setting

Sexual assault is a major public issue on college campuses; approximately 20 to 50 percent of female and up to 31 percent of male college students report being sexually victimized while in college. To date, little research has been conducted in this area that investigates interactions between intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and societal factors that influence campus sexual assault. The main purpose of this study was to examine interactions between different layers of influence on campus sexual assault. The present study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional design (n=677) with online delivery of survey research. Overall, 191 (28.0 percent) participants reported being sexually assaulted since the beginning of their college career, and a total of 4.8 percent (32 participants) of the sample reported perpetration since the beginning of their college career. Prior victimization was the strongest predictor of both victimization (β=2.779; p<0.001; Odds ratio=16.100) and perpetration (β=2.551; p<0.001; Odds ratio=12.823) since the start of college. Further, those who received sexual assault prevention education had had better views of the institution than those who did not (F=5.702; p=0.001). Being a victim or perpetrator did not have an effect on institutional variables. Lastly, neither rape myth acceptance nor injunctive peer norms significantly moderated the relationship between binge drinking and perpetration since the start of college. This study has promising implications for future research as well as for public health education practitioners, college administrators, and health policy experts. Coordinated national, state, and local efforts are needed to change the climate in institutions of higher education that truly promote safe, healthy relationships and behaviors in college students. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries