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Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Operant Sensation Seeking in the Mouse
Published on: November 10, 2010
Interplay Between Sensation Seeking and Parental Rules in the Emergence of Heavy Episodic Drinking
Andrew Percy1, Michael T McKay2, Jon C Cole2
1Queen's University Belfast.
Abstract:
This study examined the parallel mediational processes between sensation seeking and parental rules on alcohol, in the emergence of heavy episodic drinking (HED) in adolescents. Data were drawn from a U.K. clustered randomized control trial (control arm only, N ≈ 6,300, Mage at baseline = 12.5). Using parallel process latent growth curve analysis, stricter parental rules at baseline were found to be associated with greater declines in sensation seeking over time and a lower risk of HED at follow-up (+33 months). Higher initial levels of sensation seeking predicted a faster relaxation of parental rules and a greater risk of HED. By maintaining strict rules about alcohol, parents may promote a positive reduction in sensation seeking and a lower risk of HED.
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