Prediction of Adolescents Intention Not to Drink Alcohol: Theory of Planned Behavior     

Jostein Rise PhD 
Britt Unni Wilhelmsen PhD 

Objective: To predict adolescents intention not to drink alcohol at next home party. Methods:Data were collected as part of a questionnaire survey in January 1992 in western Norway from two age-groups. The utility of the theory of planned behavior was confirmed in that perceived behavioral control predicted behavioral intention beyond attitude, and subjective norm. Results: The two age-groups (Grade 7; mean age=13.6; N=896 and Grade 9; mean age 15.7; N=906) differed more concerning the normative expectations than concerning the perceived costs and benefits from not drinking alcohol. Conclusion: To strengthen the intention not to drink alcohol, immediate negative consequences could be addressed in a persuasive communication along with normative messages.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(3):206-217