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The Differential Role of Perceived Same-Gender and Gender-Neutral Norms in Emerging Adult Risk Behavior
Kanila L Brown1, Katie M Lawson2, Devin E Banks1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Substance Use & Misuse
|December 11, 2023
Summary
Perceptions of same-gender norms significantly influence binge drinking in emerging adults. Interventions should consider these within-group perceptions for substance use and sexual risk behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Normative perceptions are linked to risk behaviors in emerging adults.
- The specific impact of gender-specific versus gender-neutral norms is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of same-gender and gender-neutral normative perceptions on substance use and sexual risk behaviors.
- To determine if gender-specific norms play a unique role in predicting these behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 389 college students (ages 18-25) on substance use (binge drinking, cannabis, prescription drug misuse) and sexual risk behaviors.
- Assessed perceptions of how frequently same-gender adults and average adults engage in these behaviors.
- Used statistical analysis to examine associations between normative perceptions and risk behaviors.
Main Results:
- Binge drinking was associated with same-gender norms, but not gender-neutral norms.
- Cannabis use and sexual risk behaviors were associated with both same-gender and gender-neutral norms.
- Same-gender norms explained more variance in binge drinking than gender-neutral norms.
Conclusions:
- Same-gender normative perceptions are particularly influential for binge drinking among emerging adults.
- Interventions for emerging adult risk behaviors should incorporate within-group normative perceptions tied to social and demographic characteristics.
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