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Romantic relationships and alcohol use: A long-term, developmental perspective
Amy J Rauer1, Gregory S Pettit2, Diana R Samek2
1University of Tennessee.
Development and Psychopathology
|July 19, 2016
Summary
Early adolescent alcohol use predicts young adult romantic involvement, which in turn reduces problematic drinking. This developmental-relational perspective highlights protective factors in romantic relationships for alcohol use.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Addiction research
- Sociology of relationships
Background:
- Committed romantic relationships are linked to reduced problematic alcohol use in adulthood.
- The protective effects of romantic relationships may vary.
- The role of early adolescent alcohol use in forming romantic relationships is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental origins of alcohol use in young adulthood.
- To examine how adolescent alcohol use influences romantic relationships and subsequent alcohol use.
- To understand the protective role of romantic involvement in young adult problematic drinking.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study using multi-dimensional, multiple-informant data over 20 years.
- Sample of 585 individuals from the Child Development Project.
- Variable- and person-centered analyses to examine developmental trajectories.
Main Results:
- Adolescent alcohol use (ages 15-16) predicted greater romantic involvement and relationship turnover in early adulthood (ages 18-25).
- Romantic involvement, but not relationship turnover, was associated with reduced problematic alcohol use at age 27.
- Findings were robust across selection and socialization factors, and not moderated by individual or relationship characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent alcohol use has long-term implications for romantic relationship development and young adult drinking patterns.
- Romantic involvement serves as a protective factor against problematic alcohol use in young adulthood.
- A developmental-relational perspective is crucial for understanding the interplay between relationships and alcohol use across the lifespan.
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