Author ORCID Identifier

Hue Duong: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8742-1040

Akansha Sirohi: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9643-6276

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-23-2023

Abstract

Although the influence of perceived norms on health behavior has been well researched, the sources of normative perceptions remain understudied. Drawing on the theory of normative social behavior, this study investigated factors shaping descriptive norms associated with child corporal punishment among a sample of low-income Back, Hispanic, and White parents (N = 260). Hierarchical regression results showed that childhood experiences of corporal punishment, direct observation, and interpersonal communication valence were significantly associated with descriptive norms. Path analysis confirmed the direct association between descriptive norms and behavioral intentions, as well as the mediating role of descriptive norms in linking the norm sources and behavioral intentions. Results also revealed that interpersonal network size and interpersonal communication valence jointly affected descriptive norms among parents who talked to others in their proximal networks about applying this disciplinary measure. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Comments

Accepted manuscript version of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Health Communication, 39(5), 915-926. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2023.2193754.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2023.2193754

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Communication Commons

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