Using Peer Communicated Norms About Safety to Reduce Injury-Risk Behaviors by Children

J Pediatr Psychol. 2017 Aug 1;42(7):748-758. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsx050.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined whether exposure to a safety norm could counteract the increase in risk taking children show when in an elevated positive mood state.

Methods: Risk taking (intentions, behaviors) was measured in a neutral and positive (induced experimentally) mood state. Before completing the tasks in a positive mood, 120 children 7-10 years were exposed to either a safety norm or a control audio.

Results: The control audio had no effect: children showed an increase in risk taking and intentions when in a positive mood compared with a neutral mood, replicating past research. In contrast, exposure to the safety norm counteracted this effect: children showed a decrease in risk taking and intentions when in a positive mood compared with a neutral mood.

Conclusion: Manipulating children's exposure to social norms can be an effective strategy for reducing injury-risk behaviors even when they are in an elevated positive mood state.

Keywords: children; injury prevention; positive mood; risk taking; social norms.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affect*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Peer Group*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Safety*
  • Social Norms*
  • Wounds and Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Wounds and Injuries / psychology

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