Exploring the Role of Efficacy Accessibility in Risk Behavior

Abstract

Social and Behavioral Sciences; Social Work; Law: 3rd Place (The Ohio State University Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum)The present research examined whether individuals differ in the accessibility of beliefs about their ability to avoid risky behavior. A new reaction time measure, based on previous measures of accessible attitudes and norms, was developed to quantify the accessibility of chronic self-efficacy. Findings suggest that the accessibility of efficacy related to risky and anti-risk behavioral intentions varies across individuals, and is predictive of risk intentions. Additional investigation found that resting levels of anti-risk efficacy moderate the relationship between risky peer norm accessibility and risk intentions, such that those with accessible risky peer norms who can more easily bring to mind that they can refuse to engage in risk behavior are less likely to form risky intentions.A five-year embargo was granted for this item

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