Predicting students' intention to use stimulants for academic performance enhancement
Koen Ponnet1, Edwin Wouters, Michel Walrave
11Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium.
Substance Use & Misuse
|December 2, 2014
Summary
Student intention to use stimulants for academic gain is influenced by social norms, attitudes, and perceived control. Psychological distress and procrastination also play a role in this growing trend.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Higher Education
Background:
- Non-medical stimulant use for academic enhancement is increasing among university students.
- Understanding the drivers of this behavior is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing students' intention to use stimulant medication for academic performance enhancement.
- Utilized an extended Theory of Planned Behavior model to analyze predictors.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 3,589 Flemish university and college students.
- Employed structural equation modeling to analyze relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Subjective norm was the strongest predictor of intention to use stimulants.
- Attitude and perceived behavioral control were also significant predictors.
- Psychological distress, procrastination, and substance use showed a lesser contribution.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest interventions should address social norms and individual attitudes.
- Recommendations are provided to reduce the intention to use stimulants for academic purposes.
- Further research is needed to explore additional psychological variables.
Keywords:
academic performance enhancementcollege studentsintention to use stimulantsnon-medical prescription drug usestimulant medication abuseMore Related Videos
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