A Preliminary Study of the Factors that Influence College Student Perceptions of the Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs: Criminal Justice versus Noncriminal Justice Students

Abstract

There are continuing efforts to include student perception research in the field of criminal justice and criminology; few studies have addressed the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Using data from 389 students enrolled at a Southeastern university, this study compares the perceptions of the nonmedical use of prescription drugs between criminal justice and noncriminal justice majors. The findings from this study indicate that no specific measure or factor consistently influences college student perceptions. However, when examining the role of self‐control, we found that for two drugs (opiates and stimulants), low self‐control had an important influence on the perceptions of nonmajors.

Keywords:

• Prescription Drugs
• College Student Perceptions
• Drug and Alcohol Use

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa L. Ricketts

Melissa L. Ricketts is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University. She holds a PhD in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her most recent publications appear in Western Criminology Review, Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, and The Journal of School Violence. Her research interests include school violence, victimization, fear of crime, and criminological theory testing.

George E. Higgins

George E. Higgins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville. He holds a PhD in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His most recent publications appear or are forthcoming in Criminal Justice and Behavior, Journal of Crime and Justice, Journal of Economic Crime Management, Criminal Justice Studies, College Student Journal, and Western Criminology Review. His research interests include testing criminological theories, race and gender issues in criminal justice, and advanced statistical methods.