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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Steven R. Marks, SM¹, Lynne E. Borden, PhD¹, and Francisco A. Villarruel, PhD². (1) Division of Family Studies & Human Development, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210033, Tucson, AZ 85721-0033, 520 320 5563, smarks@u.arizona.edu, (2) Family and Child Ecology, Michigan State University, 110 Human Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

At personal (micro) and political (macro) levels Human Rights and religiosity bear on morality, respect for others' rights, and health. However, recent reviews suggest religiosity does not universally promote respect for others' rights, have equivalence to moral action, and it may have iatrogenic effects. Furthermore, existing research frequently conflates religiosity, morality, and health behaviors; adolescents often view as “preferences” the same behaviors adults see as immoral acts; adolescents' religiosity may decline while in college; and religious communities may exclude youth (e.g. LGBTQQ youth). We explored person-level (micro) effects among first-generation college students (N = 284), looking at religiosity and “moral compass” as predictors of alcohol-, tobacco- and sex-related behavior. Moral compass variables assorted into variables on observable low-level immoral behaviors, such as cheating on an exam, and non-observable values, such endorsing equal rights for all. Religiosity factored into variables on observable (public) religiosity and non-observable (private) religiosity. Controlling for multiple contextual variables and religiosity, moral compass behaviors and values better predicted odds of being a virgin, of regular condom use, substance use before having sex, and of experimental alcohol and tobacco use, than either public or private religiosity. In devising the construct “moral compass”, we sought a more inclusive and stable predictor of health behavior while also trying to eschew conflation of morality, religiosity and health behavior. Future research should compare “moral compass” and religiosity on their micro and macro potential for inclusiveness and robustness as predictors and promoters of health behavior.

Learning Objectives:

• Learners will discuss the conceptual confounding of religiosity, morality and health risk behaviours.
• Learners will become familiar with social equity issues related to college achievement among first-generation students.
• Learners will critique the notion of moral compass and micro-level human rights.

Keywords: College Students, Risk Taking Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation