Work

Adolescent Behavioral Characteristics Mediate Familial Effects on Alcohol Use and Problems in College-Bound Students

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Alcohol use and problems are complex behaviours influenced by individual characteristics, such as temperament, mood. Studies suggest a broad spectrum of behaviours associated with drinking, which makes it unclear whether patterns of familial risk for drinking are directly or indirectly related to patterns of alcohol use and problems in late adolescence. Objectives: We examined direct and indirect effects of perceived family history of psychopathology on pre-collegiate alcohol use and problems via the Transmissible Liability Index (TLI).Methods: Participants (N=302; 29.6% male) provided self-report data on age of onset of drinking, past 90-day alcohol use and problems, family history of internalizing and alcohol and illicit substance use, and TLI. Results: Approximately 21% of participants reported having at least one relative with a history of regular and/or problematic alcohol use, compared to 12% for illicit substance use, and ~55% for internalizing problems. Higher TLI scores were associated with increased family history of substance use, alcohol use, and internalizing problems, as well as earlier age of onset of drinking. Family history of internalizing problems was the most robust indicator of AUP (β = 0.20 [95% CI = 0.04 - 0.36], p = 0.01). Path analyses suggested that the individual-level behaviours that comprise TLI mediate the effects of family history on age of initiation and regular alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Family history of internalizing, drinking, and illicit substance use reflect generalized risk for a broad set of behaviours associated with risk for alcohol initiation and use during the transition from high school to college.

Source: Substance Abuse Research and Treatment

DOI: 10.1177/1178221820970925

Authors: April L Brown, Roberto A España, Chelsie E Benca-Bachman, Justine W Welsh, Rohan HC Palmer

Institution: Emory University

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,500