Influences on children's attitudes toward alcohol consumption.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether children's attitudes toward alcohol consumption changed as they grew older and to what extent peers might influence the decision to drink alcoholic beverages.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive study of 500 children ages 8-15 years was performed using a questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and contingency analysis.


RESULTS
Age was the only variable significantly related to decision making. Attitudes toward alcohol were more favorable in older children. Peer influence did not appear to affect drinking behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Older children (ages 14-15) are more favorably disposed to drinking than younger children. Children may be more influenced by parents than is realized. Parental guidance just prior to age 14 may be an effective intervention.
Castiglia
P T
PT
Glenister
A M
AM
Haughey
B P
BP
Kanski
G W
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D002666:Psychology, Child