Psychosocial determinants of ecstasy use in young people in the UK.

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 19GÇô25 yr old students completed questionnaires measuring components of the TPB. In Study 2, 203 18GÇô38 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 (nGÇé=GÇé123 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. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved)