Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Armstrong, Kevin J

Committee Member

Nadorff, Michael R

Committee Member

Jones, Torri M

Date of Degree

5-3-2019

Original embargo terms

Visible to MSU only for 3 years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Department

Department of Psychology

Abstract

Racial/ethnic differences underlying the illicit use of prescription stimulants (IUPS) were examined. A 2 X 2 (African American/Caucasian and male/female) design with n = 120 per group (mean age of 19.23, SD = 1.30) was used to evaluate survey responses regarding IUPS and their ADHD symptoms (using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale; ASRS). First, African Americans endorsed IUPS less frequently (p < .001) and reported lower levels of ADHD symptoms (p < .01). Second, participants rated three domains of risk for IUPS. African Americans perceived higher social risk (p < .001). No significant differences were found for legal or health risks. Third, African Americans perceived lower benefits for IUPS for concentration (p < .001), alertness (p < .001), and help with studying (p < .001). Minor gender differences are discussed and implications for targeting risk/benefit beliefs in IUPS prevention and treatment programs are discussed.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/21236

Comments

Stimulants||Race/Ethnicity||Risk/Benefit Perceptions||ADHD

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