PSYCHOSOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF ECSTASY USE IN YOUNG-PEOPLE IN THE UK

Objectives. The present research aimed to examine the psychosocial det erminants of ecstasy use in young people in the UK. Design. Two studie s applied the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to understanding ecsta sy use. In Study 1, students completed questionnaires measuring compon ents of the TPB. In Study 2, a random sample of members of a nightclub completed measures of attitudinal ambivalence and components of the T PB in relation to taking ecstasy in the next two months. Reported use of ecstasy was assessed two months later. Methods. Both studies employ ed self-completion questionnaires. In Study 1 a single questionnaire w as completed by 186 students. In Study 2 a first questionnaire was com pleted by 203 members of a nightclub and a second questionnaire two mo nths later by 123 respondents. Results. In Study 1, attitudes, subject ive norms and perceived behavioural control accounted for 50 per cent of the variance in intentions. In Study 2, TPB components explained 63 per cent of the variance in intentions. Intentions and perceived cont rol explained 55 per cent of the variance in subsequent ecstasy use. A ttitudinal ambivalence moderated the intention-behaviour relationship such that the impact of intentions on subsequent behaviour was signifi cantly stronger for individuals with lower levels of ambivalence. Conc lusions. The TPB provided a good basis for understanding intentions an d actual use of ecstasy in young people in the UK. The different belie fs of users and non-users may form a useful basis for health education .