title: Similarities and differences in correlates of alcohol consumption and problem behaviors among male and female adolescents.
abstract: This study examined similarities and differences in correlates of alcohol consumption and problem behaviors among a random household sample of male and female adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Several similarities emerged between the two gender groups which were consistent with previous research, including a pattern of convergence among the variables of alcohol consumption, times drunk in the last year, and delinquent behavior; the salience of the peer context in alcohol-related behavior; and high associations between reasons, or motives, for drinking and alcohol consumption and problem behaviors. With respect to reasons for drinking, excitement-seeking, or pleasurable, reasons were highly related to outcome variables. Gender differences were reported for relationships between two indices of affective functioning, namely distress symptoms and escapist, tension-reducing reasons for drinking, and outcome variables related to delinquent behavior, school functioning, and aspects of self-concept. These differences are discussed with respect to possible differential socialization experiences among males and females.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute on Alcoholism Buffalo, New York 14203.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Windle
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Barnes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D001143:Arousal; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010379:Peer Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D012932:Social Facilitation