CHILDRENS DECISIONS ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE - AN APPLICATION AND EXTENSION OF THE THEORY OF REASONED ACTION

This research examines the applicability of Fishbein and Ajzen's (1975 ) theory of reasoned action (TRA) to intentions to use cigarettes and alcohol among 5th- and 6th-grade students. It also addresses the quest ion of unidimensionality of outcome beliefs and referent norms, Result s suggest that the TRA model describes children's decision making well , although the ability of income and race to add to prediction, net of the effects of attitude and perceived norm, are contrary to the theor y's prediction. In addition, we find support for multidimensional comp onents of both attitude and norm for both behaviors.