Alcohol self-control behaviors of adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of the present study were to: (1) factor analyze a 13-item adolescent alcohol self-control behavior scale, (2) examine associations between frequency of self-control behavior use and alcohol consumption, and (3) to determine which self-control behaviors best predict alcohol use and consequences.


METHODS
A confidential standardized survey was used to collect data on participant's 30-day frequency, quantity, and heavy use of alcohol; alcohol-related consequences; and alcohol self-control behaviors.


RESULTS
A principal component factor analysis produced the following three components: Healthy Alternatives (alpha=.81), Self-regulation (alpha=.72), and Assertive Communication (alpha=.73). MANOVAs indicated strong associations between frequency of use of the three types of self-control behaviors and alcohol consumption (p values< or =.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that Self-regulation behaviors were the best predictor for all alcohol use measures and consequences (p values< or =.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Self-control behaviors differ in their ability to predict alcohol use and consequences. Self-regulation strategies emerged as the most consistent predictor of alcohol use patterns and consequences among adolescents, followed by Healthy Alternatives.
Glassman
Tavis
T
Addictive and Health Behaviors Research Institute, Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, 6852 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, FL 32216, USA. tavis@ufl.edu
Werch
Chudley Chad
CC
Jobli
Edessa
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D001242:Assertiveness; D003142:Communication; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D016015:Logistic Models; D010379:Peer Group; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012927:Social Control, Informal