Table of Contents
Description
The “Beliefs About Peer Norms” scale, developed by Hansen and McNeal in 1997, assesses individuals’ perceptions regarding their peers’ behaviors, particularly concerning substance use. This scale aims to capture how one’s beliefs about the norms and behaviors of close friends relate to their own attitudes and potential substance use, facilitating a better understanding of peer influences on behavior.
Authors and Contact Email
Hansen, W.B. and McNeal, R.B.
Email: [email protected]
Purpose
The purpose of the scale is to evaluate individuals’ beliefs about their peers’ substance use behaviors and attitudes, which may influence their own behavior and choices regarding substance use.
Test Year
1997
Administration Method and Scoring
Information not available
Reliability and Validity
Information not available
Factors and Subscales
Information not available
Keywords
Peer Norms, Substance Use, Marijuana, Alcohol Consumption, Attitudes, Behavioral Influence
Items of ‘Beliefs About Peer Norms’
1. How many of your closest friends do you think have used marijuana during the past 30 days?
– All of them / Most of them / Some of them / None of them
2. How many of your closest friends do you think have been drunk during the past 30 days?
– All of them / Most of them / Some of them / None of them
3. What would your best friends think if you tried using marijuana?
– They would be angry with me
– They would be a little upset
– They wouldn’t care one way or the other
– They would accept me
– They would be glad
4. People who use drugs are stupid. How do you think your closest friends feel about this statement?
– Strongly agree / Agree / Disagree / Strongly disagree
5. How hard or easy is it for you to get along with other people?
– They would be angry with me
– They would be a little upset
– They wouldn’t care one way or the other
– They would accept me
– They would be glad
6. How many of your closest friends do you think have had some kind of alcoholic beverage during the past 30 days?
– Never / Sometimes, but not often / Often / All the time
7. It is cool to get drunk. How do you think your closest friends feel about this statement?
– Strongly agree / Agree / Disagree / Strongly disagree
8. How many of your closest friends do you think have used a drug like cocaine or heroin during the past 30 days?
– All of them / Most of them / Some of them / None of them
References
Hansen, W.B., & McNeal, R.B. (1997). How D.A.R.E. works: An examination of program effects on mediating variables. Health Education & Behavior, 24(2), 165-176.
Core Measures Initiative Phase I Recommendations, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Available online at: http://vvv.dmhas.state.ct.us/sig/pdf/uconn/core_measures.pdf
Scale found at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/s/beliefs-about-peer-norms/