Beliefs About Alcohol Use Among Youths During Early Adolescence

• NCJ Number: 243511
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: September - October 2013 Pages: 295-320
• Author(s): Karen A. Randolph; Adrian Archuleta; Thomas Smith; Martell Teasley
• Date Published: September 2013
• Length: 26 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined children's beliefs about alcohol.

Abstract

Understanding alcohol use onset among young adolescents is critical in identifying their perceptions, socialization, and decisionmaking that will assist in prevention efforts. This study examined children's beliefs about alcohol. The authors conducted focus groups with 18 youths in grades 3 through 8 to explore their views about (1) the risk and protective factors of underage drinking and (2) the consequences of alcohol use. Findings suggest that youths' perceptions of media content, use of family members as verbal and behavioral referents, non-family member adults' alcohol use, and peer factors are concomitant processes that youths consider in formulating beliefs about alcohol use. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.