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Pathways to romantic relational aggression through adolescent peer aggression and heavy episodic drinking
Erica M Woodin1, Paweena Sukhawathanakul2, Valerie Caldeira2
1Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. ewoodin@uvic.ca.
Aggressive Behavior
|March 19, 2016
Summary
Early peer aggression predicts later romantic aggression. Heavy episodic drinking (binge alcohol use) partially explains this link, particularly when peer physical aggression is involved. Prevention should address multiple risk behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Adolescent peer aggression is linked to romantic relational aggression.
- Mechanisms connecting peer and romantic aggression require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine heavy episodic drinking as a mediator between adolescent peer aggression and romantic relational aggression.
- To identify pathways linking peer aggression to romantic aggression over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 282 adolescents (aged 12-18) interviewed four times over 6 years.
- Path analyses used to assess mediation effects of heavy episodic drinking.
Main Results:
- Early peer relational and physical aggression predicted later romantic relational aggression.
- Concurrent heavy episodic drinking fully mediated the effect of peer physical aggression on romantic relational aggression.
- Two pathways identified: direct from peer relational aggression, indirect via peer physical aggression and concurrent heavy drinking.
Conclusions:
- Peer aggression increases risk for romantic relational aggression through direct and indirect pathways.
- Interventions for romantic relational aggression should address concurrent heavy alcohol use and other risky behaviors.
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