1. Determinants of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Risk Perceptions: A Study in Social Cognitive Theory.
- Author
-
Denham, Bryan E.
- Subjects
ANABOLIC steroids ,STEROIDS ,PERFORMANCE-enhancing drugs ,SOCIAL cognition theory (Communication) ,SOCIAL interaction - Abstract
While communication scholars have developed a significant body of research addressing risk perceptions of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, in addition to multiple forms of cancer and disease, the disciplinary literature is yet to include a study addressing perceived risks of using anabolic-androgenic steroids. The present article offers such an analysis, focusing on personal, behavioral and environmental determinants of risk perceptions. Logit log-linear models applied to data gathered in the 2005 Monitoring the Future study of American youth (n = 2,542) revealed the importance of both interpersonal and mass communication in the formation of risk perceptions. Analyses also revealed consistent effects for peer use of steroids, enjoyment of risky behavior, and steroid availability as determinants of perceived risk. Implications and suggestions for future research are offered. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008