Peers, parents and alcohol consumption in adolescence

Abstract

Adolescents are consuming alcohol at risky levels at younger ages and more frequently than preceding generations. As a result they are being exposed to increased risk of long-term health problems, possible neurological damage, violence and even death. Research currently indicates that peers have significant influence on consumption patterns, particularly through perceived norms of alcohol related behaviour. Considerable resources have been invested in developing interventions based on these findings. Evaluations have yielded mixed results. However little research has been conducted on the impact of such normative influence across the adolescent period; the majority of studies have been conducted with university students. Research with younger adolescents tends to focus on parental influence while studies with older adolescents has mostly been focused on the influence of peers. Given the clear need for both prevention and intervention throughout adolescence, the main objective of the current studies is to develop a greater understanding of the role of beliefs about peers, parents and self on alcohol related beliefs and behaviours across the adolescent period. Accordingly, Study One surveyed adolescents ranging from ages 12-19 (n = 610) regarding their alcohol consumption, their beliefs about themselves, and their perceptions of the alcohol related beliefs and behaviours of their peers and parents. Consistent with previous research, evidence was found for the existence of a discrepancy between self-reported consumption and perceived peer consumption, with best friends being perceived to consume more alcohol more frequently than the self, and typical students being perceived to consume more again. Both peers and parents were found to influence adolescent alcohol consumption with different patterns of influence emerging in mid-adolescence compared to late adolescence. Perceived alcohol related behaviour of the typical student only emerged as a predictor in the mid-adolescence sample. Study Two was designed as a result of finding that participants' perceptions of their parents' beliefs about appropriate adolescent alcohol consumption were a consistent predictor of their consumption patterns in Study One. The study (n = 132) investigated the relationship between parental beliefs and the use of three alcohol specific parenting strategies: the availability of alcohol in the home, setting alcohol specific rules, and the use of consequences in implementing those rules. Stricter beliefs about appropriate consumption were related to higher likelihood of rules and consequences, and lower levels of alcohol availability in the home. Of the three parenting strategies, setting alcohol specific rules was the strongest predictor of alcohol use, binging, and alcohol related problems. Overall, these findings extend previous research, suggesting the impact of perceived normative consumption on alcohol related beliefs and behaviours differ across phases of adolescence, with perceptions of the typical student's behaviour being most influential in the mid-adolescent period. Perceived behaviours of close friends consistently showed the strongest influence. It is also clear that while peers, especially close peers, exert considerable influence; parental attitudes and the parenting strategies employed also have a significant impact on adolescent consumption. Implications for the development of age appropriate interventions, particularly those conducted in educational contexts, and for future research are discussed.