Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between substance use messages in music media and how it impacts perception of substance and current substance use for different ethnicities. Four hundred and eighty four participants were recruited from a large southeastern university. Participant ethnicities included Caucasian, Hispanic, African American and Asian. This study examined frequency of substance use messages in popular music lyrics and music videos, along with participant self-reported ethnicity and, rates of substance use and perceived risk from substance use. Differences in perception of risk and current substance use were indicated between Caucasian and African American participants. Interestingly, an inverse relationship between exposure to substance use messages and perception of risk of harm from substance use was noted, with more frequent exposure being correlated with greater perceived risk and lower current substance use. Regression analysis indicated that ethnicity predicted frequency of substance use messages in music media, and exposure to substance use messaged predicted both perception of risk of harm from substance use and current substance use, supporting the hypothesized role of music as a mediator between ethnicity and substance use.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2014

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Wright, Chrysalis

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences; Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Location

UCF South Lake

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004623

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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