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Health Risk Behaviour and Identity Perceptions among Danish Adolescents: a Focus on Implicit Associations |
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Kirsten Verkooijen, PhD-student, Afdelingen for Sundhedsfremme, Syddansk Universitet, Esbjerg
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Purpose
The present project aims to provide an understanding of how perceptions of self- and social identity influence adolescents’ decisions to engage in health risk behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol- and drug use.
Background
The present project tries to gain a better understanding of adolescents’ health-risk behaviour by using a relatively understudied perspective offered by Social Identity Theory (Abrams & Hogg, 1990). This theory focuses on categorization of distinct social groups and individual’s self-concept as a group member (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). Especially young people tend to categorize and label their peers into distinct social groups according to their life-style, which may be expressed by common values, activities, clothing style, or music preferences (Tarrant et al., 2001). Because people are more likely to engage in a particular behaviour when it is in accordance with the perceived life-style of the group with whom one most identifies, consideration of the effects of group membership on behaviour may provide a fruitful explanation of the role of social influence in adolescent risk behaviour (Johnston & White, 2003; Kobus 2003; Sussman et al., 1994).
Methods
Self-report data has been collected among 3957 Danes in the age of 16-20 by means of the MULD survey in November 2002 (Nielsen et al., 2002). Items on self- and social identity were included for the purpose of the present study. The social identity items assessed identification with nine subgroups, namely (in Danish): sporty, pop pige/dreng, hip-hopper/skater, bodybuilder, stille pige/dreng, techno freak, computer nørd, religiøs, and hippie. In addition, items were included that assessed perceived risk behaviour among members of these subgroups.
Findings
So far, the data-analysis has focused on the effects of social identity on health risk behaviour. The results showed significant differences in smoking, alcohol, and hash use prevalence between subgroups. A division could be made between 4 groups with an overall higher prevalence of health risk behaviour and 4 groups with a general lower prevalence. This distinction was most evident for smoking and the least evident for alcohol use. Perceived group behaviour was strongly associated with personal risk behaviour. Group perception showed to be a better predictor of risk behaviour than group membership.
Conclusion
The findings are in line with social identity theories and they show the importance of group affiliation and group perceptions on smoking behaviour. Currently, a follow-up questionnaire study is taking place in order to investigate the stability of group identification and potential changes in group identification and group perception in relation to changes in risk behaviour, over time.
References:
Abraham, D. & Hogg, M. A., eds. (1990) Social Identity Theory: Constructive and Critical Advantaces. New York: Harvester Wheat sheaf.
Johnston, K. L., White, K. M. (2003) Binge-drinking: a test of the role of group norms in the theory of planned behaviour. Psychology and Health, 18, 63-77.
Kobus, K. (2003). Peers and adolescent smoking. Addiction, 98, 37-55.
Nielsen, G.A. Ringgaard, L., Broholm, K., Sindballe, A., Olsen, S.F. Unges Livsstil og Dagligdag 2000: forbrug af tabak, alkohol og stoffer. Kræftens Bekæmpelse og Sundhedsstyrelsen, København, 2002.
Sussman, S., Dent, C. W., McAdams, L. A., Stacy, A. W., Burton, D., Flay, B. R. (1994). Group self-identification and adolescent cigarette smoking: a 1-year prospective study. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 103, 576-580.
Tajfel, H., Turner, J.C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. In W.G. Austin & S. Worschel (Eds). The social Psychology of Intergroup Relations. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Tarrant, M., North, A., Edridge, M.D., Kirk, L.E., Smith, E.A., Turner, R.E. (2001). Social identity in adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 24, 597-609.
Verkooijen, K. T., Nielsen, G. A., Petersen, H. C. (2003). Group identity, perceived group behaviour and smoking among Danish adolescents. Poster at the 17th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society, Kos, September 2003.
Sidst ændret: 10-08-2005
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