An Application of Fishbein and Ajzen's Attitudes-Subjective Norms Model to the Study of Drug Use

Abstract

Summary The present investigation examined the applicability of Fishbein and Ajzen's attitudes-subjective norms model to the study of drug use for four substances. Participants in the study were 349 male and female undergraduates at a large Southeastern university in the United States in 1977. Results strongly supported the model, with multiple R's of .69, .66, .51, and .70 for marijuana, amphetamines, minor tranquilizers, and beer, respectively. In all but one case (minor tranquilizers), both a measure of attitude toward the act and of subjective norm were significant predictors of frequency of use. An additional measure—attitude toward outcomes of use—did not significantly increase the predictability of any of the drugs studied.