Relations Among Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms and Drinking Frequency During Adolescence.

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Internalizing and externalizing symptoms are linked to adolescent alcohol use, but directionality remains unclear.
• Existing literature lacks definitive conclusions on gender differences in these behavioral relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal associations between internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and alcohol use in adolescent males and females.
• To clarify the directionality of these relationships over time.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal survey data from 724 community-dwelling adolescents were analyzed.
• Cross-lagged structural equation models were employed to assess symptom and alcohol use relationships.
• Gender differences were examined using a multiple group structural equation model.

Main Results:

• Adolescent alcohol use at age 12 predicted both internalizing and externalizing symptoms by age 15 for both genders.
• Girls showed an association between internalizing symptoms and drinking at age 12.
• Boys exhibited a stronger link between externalizing symptoms and drinking at age 18.

Conclusions:

• Early alcohol consumption in youth is a significant concern with long-term implications.
• Interventions aimed at preventing or reducing early drinking may mitigate subsequent internalizing and externalizing symptoms.
• Findings support targeted prevention programs to address adolescent alcohol use and related behavioral issues.