Influences of peers

Influences of peers on health
This research seeks to understand how and under what circumstances peers influence behavior. One goal of this work is to reduce the influence of risky peers, particularly in the context of young adult alcohol use. We are examining the processes that underlie conformity to and mimicry of others’ alcohol consumption in experimental, laboratory-based studies. We are especially interested in testing strategies that might reduce mimicry and conformity. We also use correlational methods to examine how and for which individuals peer social networks encourage risky behavior and constrain efforts at changing behavior.

Relevant publications

Reid, A. E. , Field, M., Jones, A., DiLemma, L., & Robinson, E. L. (2019). Social modeling of health behaviors: Testing self-affirmation as a conformity-reduction strategy. British Journal of Health Psychology, 24, 651-657.

DiBello, A. M., Miller, M. B., Neighbors, C., Reid, A. E., & Carey, K. B. (2018). Attitudes vs. social norms: Examining predictors of alcohol use and related problems. Addictive Behaviors , 80, 39-46.

Reid, A. E., Hodgkins, M. B.*, Taylor, C. A.*, & Belzer, A. A.* (in press) Subjective health norms. In K. Sweeny & M. L. Robbins (Eds.), Encyclopedia of health psychology. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Reid, A. E., & Carey, K. B. (2018). Why are social networks associated with college students’ alcohol use? Focus on psychological mediators. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 32, 456-465.

Reid, A. E., Taber, J. M., Klein, W. M. P., Ferrer, R. A., Biesecker, B. B., Lewis, K. L., & Biesecker, L. G. (2018). Associations of perceived norms with intentions to learn genome sequencing results: Roles for attitudes and attitudinal ambivalence. Health Psychology, 37, 553-561

Reid, A. E., Carey, K. B., Merrill, J. E., & Carey, M. P. (2015). Social network influences on initiation and maintenance of reduced drinking among college students. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83, 36-44.

Reid, A. E., & Aiken, L. S. (2013). Correcting misperceptions of injunctive peer norms motivates behavior change: A randomized controlled sun-protection intervention. Health Psychology, 32, 551-560. Special issue: Theoretical Innovations in Social and Personality Psychology: Implications for Health

Reid, A. E., Cialdini, R. B., & Aiken, L. S. (2010). Social norms and health behavior. In A. Steptoe (Ed.), Handbook of behavioral medicine research: Methods and applications (pp. 263-274). New York: Springer.

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