The Theory of Planned Behavior and Ecstasy Use: Roles for Habit and Perceived Control Over Taking Versus Obtaining Substances

Abstract

Despite increasing use of the illicit substance known as ecstasy, there is a paucity of research concerning psychosocial correlates of its use. A prospective study examined the ability of variables specified by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict ecstasyuse intentions and behavior. Regression analyses showed that theory of reasoned action and TPB variables provided good prediction of intentions to use the substance. Moreover, support was obtained for a distinction between perceptions of behavioral conwol over taking ecstasy vs. control over obtaining the substance in the prediction of intentions. Habit contributed additional variance to the prediction of intentions, and reduced the effects of perceived behavioral control over taking ecstasy to nonsignificance. Ecstasy use over 2 months was directly predicted from intentions to use the substance.

Determinants of exclusive consumption of fluoride-free water: a cross-sectional household study in rural Ethiopia

“…Prochaska and DiClemente (1982); Orbell et al (2001); Verplanken and Aarts (1999); Tobias (2009);Heckhausen (1991) Perceived habit Perceiving the performance of the behavior as a habit (filtering) Automaticity…”

“…Self-efficacy was measured in reference to Armitage (2005). Maintenance belief items were defined as shown in Table 2 (e.g., Orbell et al 2001).…”

The Hare and the Tortoise: Do Earlier Adopters of Online Channels Purchase More?

“…Customers' perceptions of the usefulness and use of innovative technology (e.g., Internet channel) depend on their preference for the status quo (Falk et al 2007;Limayem, Hirt, and Cheung 2007), and the habitual behavior forms through multiple repetitions of decisions (Aarts, Verplanken, and Knippenberg 1998;Orbell et al 2001). Because frequent interactions with offline channels cultivate offline shopping habits, heavy shoppers likely induce a stronger preference for these channels than is the case for lighter shoppers.…”

“…Although customer behavior can be driven by intrinsic benefits and by marketing communications (Ansari, Mela, and Neslin 2008;Neslin et al 2006), our findings suggest that the benefits of online shopping represent the predominant influence on customer purchases after they adopt online channels. Heavy shoppers establish stronger purchasing habits in existing offline channels than light shoppers (Aarts, Verplanken, and Knippenberg 1998;Orbell et al 2001), so they may perceive fewer benefits from online shopping than do light shoppers (Falk et al 2007). As a result, these customers view the online channel as a simple extension of distribution channels, which does not affect their overall shopping demand.…”

Expanding the traditional user versus non‐user dichotomy amongst ecstasy users

“…Conner, Sherlock, & Orbell, 1998;McMillan & Conner, in press;Orbell, Blair, Sherlock, & Conner, 2001). However, these studies have tended to focus on simply distinguishing user and non-user groups.…”