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Injunctive Norms and Problem Gambling among College Students

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Abstract

Two studies examined the relationships among injunctive norms and college student gambling. In study 1 we evaluated the accuracy of perceptions of other students’ approval of gambling and the relationship between perceived approval and gambling behavior. In study 2 we evaluated gambling behavior as a function of perceptions of approval of other students, friends, and family. In study 1, which included 2524 college students, perceptions of other students’ approval of gambling were found to be overestimated and were negatively associated with gambling behavior. The results of study 2, which included 565 college students, replicated the findings of study 1 and revealed positive associations between gambling behavior and perceived approval of friends and family. Results highlight the complexity of injunctive norms and the importance of considering the reference group (e.g., peers, friends, family members) in their evaluation. Results also encourage caution in considering the incorporation of injunctive norms in prevention and intervention approaches.

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Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health R21MH067026.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 354694, Seattle, WA, 98105-6099, USA

    Clayton Neighbors, Nicole Fossos & Mary E. Larimer

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Ty W. Lostutter & Ursula Whiteside

  3. School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Denise D. Walker

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  1. Clayton Neighbors
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  2. Ty W. Lostutter
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  6. Mary E. Larimer
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Correspondence to Clayton Neighbors.

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Neighbors, C., Lostutter, T.W., Whiteside, U. et al. Injunctive Norms and Problem Gambling among College Students. J Gambl Stud 23, 259–273 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-007-9059-3

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