The protection motivation theory as an explanatory model for intention to use alcohol protective behavioral strategies related to the manner of drinking among young adults

• Published in: Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford) 2024-07, Vol.59 (5)
• Main Authors: González-Ponce, Bella M, Carmona-Márquez, José, Pilatti, Angelina, Díaz-Batanero, Carmen, Fernández-Calderón, Fermín
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Alcohol Drinking - prevention & control; Alcohol Drinking - psychology; Female; Humans; Intention; Male; Motivation; Prospective Studies; Psychological Theory; Self Efficacy; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0735-0414; 1464-3502; 1464-3502
• DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae059

Abstract Aims This study aimed to prospectively examine the explanatory value of the protection motivation theory (PMT) for the intention to use manner of drinking protective behavioral strategies (MD PBS) and to explore its invariance across genders. Method A targeted sampling procedure was used to recruit 339 young adults in the community (Mage = 21.1; SD = 2.21; female = 50.7%) who completed baseline and 2-month follow-up measures of the PMT constructs and intentions to use each of the five MD PBS. Results Regression analyses revealed that the coping appraisal components (response efficacy and self-efficacy) had greater explanatory power for the intention to use MD PBS than the threat appraisal components (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences was not prospectively associated with any specific behavioral intention or with the total MD PBS score. In contrast, perceived severity was prospectively associated with the intention to use three out of five PBS and the total MD score. Regression coefficients revealed gender invariance for all six models. Conclusions Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at encouraging young adults to use alcohol MD PBS would be most effective if they included components that enhance self-efficacy in using these strategies and emphasize their perceived usefulness in reducing alcohol-related consequences. Short Summary: This study has shown that the coping appraisal components of the protection motivation theory better explain the motivation to use alcohol protective behavioral strategies related to the manner of drinking among young adults who use alcohol than the threat appraisal components. Additionally, the results of this model were invariant across genders.