NCJ Number
199906
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 17 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 669-689
Date Published
December 2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the connection between violent victimization in adolescence and subsequent problem drinking.
Abstract
The purposes of the study were to identify the frequency of binge and consequential drinking, and to examine the impact of violent victimization in adolescence on binge and consequential drinking. The hypothesis was that the consequences of violent victimization were more salient for adolescent victims as compared with older victims. Data from the 1993 Canadian General Social Survey, Personal Risk were used. This survey gathered information on criminal victimization from a random sample of Canadians, while querying respondents about their drinking behavior and the consequences associated with their drinking. Control variables were age, income, education, employment status, and urban residence. Results show that adolescent victimization not only had an impact on problem drinking and the incidence of binge drinking episodes, it also predicted consequential drinking behaviors. Those victimized in adolescence were more likely than adult and childhood victims and non-victims to engage in frequent episodes of binge drinking (three or more per month). Adolescent victims were also more likely to experience one or more negative consequences associated with their drinking. Adolescent victims were the most likely to have their drinking impact on their work, studies, and financial position. Violent victimization during adolescence has implications for social and personal development, the transition to adult roles and responsibilities, and subsequent status attainment. Further research is needed to clarify and elaborate the relationship between adolescent victimization and these various life course outcomes. 6 tables, 107 references, appendix