Communication, risk behavior, and perceptions of threat and efficacy: A test of a reciprocal model

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.