OBJECTIVE: This study examines temporal patterns and individual differences of overestimation in alcohol norm perception within a social network. DESIGN: Hundred psychology freshmen indicated biweekly during their first semester the drinks they consumed, the perceived average of their peers' consumption, and with whom they were acquainted. At baseline, trait self-control was assessed. MAIN OUTCOME: The moderation of alcohol consumption overestimation by time and individual characteristics was explored. RESULTS: Results show that students overestimated alcohol consumption of their acquainted peers by 1.22 drinks (p < .001). For time periods at which peers reported high consumption, overestimation decreased. Additionally, individuals reporting high alcohol consumption (b = -0.25, p < .001) and low self-control (b = 0.27, p = .010) showed higher overestimation. CONCLUSIONS: Students overestimate the alcohol consumption of peers not fully accounting for changes in peer-reports. Furthermore, individual differences suggest informational and motivational processes underlying overestimation.
OBJECTIVE: This study examines temporal patterns and individual differences of overestimation in alcohol norm perception within a social network. DESIGN: Hundred psychology freshmen indicated biweekly during their first semester the drinks they consumed, the perceived average of their peers' consumption, and with whom they were acquainted. At baseline, trait self-control was assessed. MAIN OUTCOME: The moderation of alcohol consumption overestimation by time and individual characteristics was explored. RESULTS: Results show that students overestimated alcohol consumption of their acquainted peers by 1.22 drinks (p < .001). For time periods at which peers reported high consumption, overestimation decreased. Additionally, individuals reporting high alcohol consumption (b = -0.25, p < .001) and low self-control (b = 0.27, p = .010) showed higher overestimation. CONCLUSIONS: Students overestimate the alcohol consumption of peers not fully accounting for changes in peer-reports. Furthermore, individual differences suggest informational and motivational processes underlying overestimation.
Entities:
Keywords:
Social network; alcohol; false-consensus; misperception; perception bias; social norm
Authors: Niyousha Hosseinichimeh; Rod MacDonald; Kaigang Li; James C Fell; Denise L Haynie; Bruce Simons-Morton; Barbara C Banz; Deepa R Camenga; Ronald J Iannotti; Leslie A Curry; James Dziura; Linda C Mayes; David F Andersen; Federico E Vaca Journal: Soc Sci Med Date: 2022-01-19 Impact factor: 4.634
Authors: Christine Wolter; Tino Lesener; Tobias Alexander Thomas; Alicia-Carolin Hentschel; Burkhard Gusy Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-06-10