This proposal is aims to develop message strategies that reduce inhalant use by taking advantage of young adolescents' reliance on the attitudes and evaluations of others whom they consider significant or important. In developing this preventive approach, we have designed research consistent with the aims of this RFA, to attenuate efficiently and effectively inhalant abuse in young adolescents. Vested interest theory has been employed as a framework for research in earlier prevention studies (e.g., Crano & Burgoon, 2001), and shows great promise. In this proposal, we use the theory to guide and facilitate development of persuasive communications that not only affect young adolescents' attitudes toward inhalants, but also provide the appropriate mechanisms to foster their acting in accord with these beliefs, thereby reducing the likelihood that they will fall prey to inhalant abuse. In the formative evaluation phase of the project, (Year 1+) we will conduct secondary data analyses on extant data sets to determine specific constructs differentiating inhalant users from both those at risk for inhalant use and those not at risk. We will also utilize an innovative computerized group interaction system that allows for simultaneous group interaction among focus group members while retaining anonymous responding. This process will aid in the development of specific prevention messages to be utilized in the project's experiment. After messages are developed, the implementation phase of the project will begin. This consists of middle school students in Arizona being assigned to view one of 6 experimental advertisements addressing inhalant use and assessing their responses to these messages. It is hypothesized that messages focusing on social identity will be most effective in this population--especially if delivered by a peer source.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA015957-03
Application #
6943058
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDA1-KXA-N (02))
Program Officer
Ginexi, Elizabeth M
Project Start
2003-09-30
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-01
Budget End
2007-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$317,869
Indirect Cost
Name
Claremont Graduate University
Department
Psychology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
076183789
City
Claremont
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91711
Hemovich, Vanessa; Lac, Andrew; Crano, William D (2011) Understanding early-onset drug and alcohol outcomes among youth: the role of family structure, social factors, and interpersonal perceptions of use. Psychol Health Med 16:249-67
Siegel, Jason T; Alvaro, Eusebio M; Patel, Neil et al. (2009) ""...you would probably want to do it. Cause that's what made them popular"": Exploring perceptions of inhalant utility among young adolescent nonusers and occasional users. Subst Use Misuse 44:597-615
Crano, William D; Gilbert, Cindy; Alvaro, Eusebio M et al. (2008) Enhancing prediction of inhalant abuse risk in samples of early adolescents: a secondary analysis. Addict Behav 33:895-905
Siegel, Jason T; Alvaro, Eusebio M; Crano, William D et al. (2008) Influencing inhalant intentions by changing socio-personal expectations. Prev Sci 9:153-65
Crano, William D; Siegel, Jason T; Alvaro, Eusebio M et al. (2007) Overcoming adolescents'resistance to anti-inhalant appeals. Psychol Addict Behav 21:516-24
Crano, William D; Prislin, Radmila (2006) Attitudes and persuasion. Annu Rev Psychol 57:345-74