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Conner M, Sherlock K, Orbell S. 
“Psychosocial determinants of ecstasy use in young people in the UK.”. 
British Journal of Health Psychology. 1998 Nov;3(Pt 4):295-317.
Abstract
Applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine the psychosocial determinants of ecstasy use in young people in the UK. In Study 1, 186 19-25 yr old students completed questionnaires measuring components of the TPB. In Study 2, 203 18-38 yr old members of a nightclub completed measures of attitudinal ambivalence and components of the TPB in relation to taking ecstasy in the next 2 mo (n = 123 respondents). Reported use of ecstasy was assessed 2 mo later. In Study 1, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control accounted for 50% of the variance in intentions. In Study 2, TPB components explained 63% of the variance in intentions. Intentions and perceived control explained 55% of the variance in subsequent ecstasy use. Attitudinal ambivalence moderated the intention-behavior relationship such that the impact of intentions on subsequent behavior was significantly stronger for individuals with lower levels of ambivalence. The TPB provided a good basis for understanding intentions and actual use of ecstasy in young people in the UK. The different beliefs of users and non-users may form a useful basis for health education. ((c) 1999 APA/PsycINFO, all rights reserved)
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