ERIC Number: EJ1078088
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Jun
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-2379
EISSN: N/A
Perception vs. Reality: An Investigation of the Misperceptions Concerning the Extent of Peer Novel Drug Use
Sanders, Amber; Stogner, John M.; Miller, Bryan Lee
Journal of Drug Education, v43 n2 p97-120 Jun 2013
Misperceptions of peer substance use have previously been implicated as significant influences on individual use of both alcohol and illicit drugs. However, research on perceived social norms and related interventions are typically limited to binge drinking and marijuana and no empirical studies have explored misperceptions related to "novel drugs." The present study explored the extent of use and perceptions of use among a college sample (N = 2,349) for three categories of novel drugs: synthetic cannabinoids (Spice, K2, Mr. Miyagi, Pot-Pourri, etc.), synthetic cathinones (commonly known as "bath salts"), and "Salvia divinorum." Results indicate that overall perceived use was significantly higher than actual reported use. The frequency of overestimation of peer use was particularly large for the emerging drugs when compared to alcohol and marijuana. This finding is concerning as these misperceptions have the potential to influence students toward experimentation with these substances and suggests that a possible target for intervention is misperceptions of emerging novel substances.
Descriptors: Drug Use, Misconceptions, Behavior Standards, Social Behavior, Undergraduate Students, Drinking, Marijuana, Student Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A