Adolescent alcohol drinking patterns: An assessment of demographics and personality characteristics

It is widely known that alcohol consumption is a major social problem throughout the US. This study seeks to identify the risk and protective factors associated with adolescent alcohol drinking by examining social psychological variables. Selected items from a baseline questionnaire for a 2-year drug prevention study were used to conduct bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Respondents (N=2787) were seventh graders in ten middle schools throughout Orange County. Students with particular demographic and personality characteristics were more likely to use alcohol. The results suggest that individuals with poor academic performance and a sensation seeking personality are the most likely to consume alcohol. This data can be used in shaping and renovating prevention and intervention measures. Thus, if we know the characteristics of those who are most likely to engage in alcohol use, we can better the programs that seek to combat adolescent drinking.