PREDICTION OF ADOLESCENTS INTENTION NOT TO DRINK ALCOHOL - THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

Objective: To predict adolescents' intention not to drink alcohol at n ext home party. Methods: Data were collected as part of a questionnair e survey in January 1992 in western Norway from two age-groups. The ut ility of the theory of planned behavior was confirmed in that perceive d behavioral control predicted behavioral intention beyond attitude, a nd 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 th e normative expectations than concerning the perceived costs and benef its from not drinking alcohol. Conclusion: To strengthen the intention not to drink alcohol, immediate negative consequences could be addres sed in a persuasive communication along with normative messages.