Apathy in drink-spiking protective behaviours amongst university students
Conference Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
In recent years the number of reported drink-spiking incidents in Australia has increased dramatically. This study sought to investigate drink spiking protective behaviours in a sample of 160 university students. A self-administered questionnaire exploring drink~spiking issues was completed by 113 female and 42 male volunteer students (M = 27.35 years). Hierarchical regression was used to test the predictive influence of age, gender, responsibility for preventing drink spiking, and apathy on engagement in protective behaviours. Perceived responsibility for preventing drink spiking was measured using statements that attributed responsibility for drunkenness, and having a drink spiked, to either victims or perpetrators. General apathy was measured with a six-point Likert scale. Frequency of engagement in self protective behaviours was measured in relation to behaviours regularly promoted in drink spiking awareness campaigns. Females and younger students engaged in more drink-spiking protective behaviours. The more apathy expressed in relation to general issues, the less engagement in protective behaviours. Gender and age explained 13.2% of the variation in engagement in protective behaviours. The research has implications for health programs designed to reduce apathy and enhance motivations to engage in drink-spiking protective behaviours.
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42nd Annual Conference of the Australian Psychological Society
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978-0-909881-33-7
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5
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Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Australian Psychological Society
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Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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