Am. Dorsey et al., Communication, risk behavior, and perceptions of threat and efficacy: A test of a reciprocal model, J APPL COMM, 27(4), 1999, pp. 377-395
Despite empirical and anecdotal evidence of the growing problem of alcohol
use and abuse on college campuses, there is a high level of uncertainty reg
arding factors contributing to this particularly risky behavior. Past resea
rch has argued persuasively for the role individuals' level of self-efficac
y and perceptions of threat or susceptibility play-in decisions to engage (
or not engage) in a variety of behaviors (Witte, 1992). However, factors co
ntributing to the development of these perceptions of self-efficacy and thr
eat have yet to be completely understood. The present investigation argues
that it is through our interactions with others, as well as our personal ex
periences with risky behaviors, that we develop perceptions of threat and e
fficacy. Recognizing, however, the complex and reciprocal nature of the att
itude-behavior relationship, this paper explores the intricacies of the rel
ationships among communication, threat, efficacy, and behavior. 239 undergr
aduates at a medium-sized northeastern university completed two surveys ass
essing perceptions of risk, self-efficacy, social interaction patterns with
friends, and behavior. The data suggest that both interaction with friends
and perceptions of self-efficacy significantly contribute to students enga
ging in excessive drinking, in addition, communication among friends and dr
inking itself contribute to evolving perceptions of threat and self-efficac
y Theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future
research, are discussed at the conclusion of the paper.