Alcohol Use and Antisocial Behavior in Late Adolescence: Characteristics of a Sample Attending a GED Program

• NCJ Number: 229503
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2010 Pages: 78-98
• Author(s): Meredith Reesman Owens; Andrea Bergman
• Date Published: January 2010
• Length: 21 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: St John's University
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Using a sample of late adolescents between the ages of 16 and 21, this study investigated three, distinct but related behaviors as predictors of alcohol use, alcohol use disorder symptoms, and antisocial behavior.

Abstract

This study examined peer deviance, disinhibition, and ADHD symptoms as differential predictors of alcohol use, alcohol use disorder symptoms, and antisocial behavior. It was hypothesized that peer deviance would most strongly predict alcohol use while disinhibition and ADHD would predict alcohol use disorder symptoms and antisocial behavior. Participants were 104 (60 percent male) GED students between 16 and 21 years old who completed questionnaires and clinical interviews. Hierarchical regression models confirmed that peer deviance was the primary predictor of alcohol use, whereas disinhibition and ADHD were stronger predictors of alcohol use disorder symptoms and antisocial behavior. Results suggest that association with deviant peers increased the likelihood that these students would consume alcohol but, beyond that, individual factors such as disinhibition and ADHD contributed to symptoms of alcohol use disorder and antisocial behavior. Implications for treatment are discussed. Tables and references (Published Abstract)