Caltabiano, Nerina J., and Caltabiano, Marie L. (2007) Apathy in drink-spiking protective behaviours amongst university students. In: Proceedings of the 42nd Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference. pp. 57-61. From: 42nd Annual Conference of the Australian Psychological Society, 25-29 September 2007, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

In recent years the number of reported drink-spiking incidents in Australia has increased dramatically. This study sought to investigate drink spiking protective behaviours in a sample of 160 university students. A self-administered questionnaire exploring drink~spiking issues was completed by 113 female and 42 male volunteer students (M = 27.35 years). Hierarchical regression was used to test the predictive influence of age, gender, responsibility for preventing drink spiking, and apathy on engagement in protective behaviours. Perceived responsibility for preventing drink spiking was measured using statements that attributed responsibility for drunkenness, and having a drink spiked, to either victims or perpetrators. General apathy was measured with a six-point Likert scale. Frequency of engagement in self protective behaviours was measured in relation to behaviours regularly promoted in drink spiking awareness campaigns. Females and younger students engaged in more drink-spiking protective behaviours. The more apathy expressed in relation to general issues, the less engagement in protective behaviours. Gender and age explained 13.2% of the variation in engagement in protective behaviours. The research has implications for health programs designed to reduce apathy and enhance motivations to engage in drink-spiking protective behaviours.

Item ID:	3054
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
ISBN:	978-0-909881-33-7
Keywords:	drink-spiking; protective behaviour
Related URLs:	http://www.psychology.org.au/Assets/File... http://www.psychology.org.au/
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2009 03:04
FoR Codes:	17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920205 Health Education and Promotion @ 100%
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