Predictors and Consequences of Emerging Adulthood Binge Drinking

We examined binge drinking patterns during emerging adulthood (EA) and their relation to risk in adolescence and consequences in adulthood.

Growth mixture modeling was employed to identify trajectories of binge drinking across EA (ages 18-29). Parent, peer, and individual risk factors at ages 15 and 16 were examined as predictors. Class membership was used as a predictor of poor mental and physical health and alcohol problems in adulthood (ages 31, 34, 41).

Four patterns of binge drinking emerged (n = 476, 56% female, 99% Non-Hispanic White): Abstainers & Minimal (AM; 52.1%), Maturing Out (MO; 21.7%), Decreasing (16.8%), and Increased Maturing Out (IMO; 9.4%). Using AM as reference, paternal drunkenness and being male were more likely among the MO, Decreasing, and IMO groups. College attendance was a predictor of MO and IMO classes. Adolescent alcohol use was a predictor of Decreasing and IMO. Peer pressure was more likely among the IMO class. Higher levels of poor mental and physical health in adulthood occurred among Decreasers vs. AM binge drinkers and MO vs. Decreasing binge drinkers. Compared to the AM groups, all other groups had higher mean levels of alcohol problems in adulthood, and the IMO group showed higher means than Decreasing and MO.

Binge drinking patterns were explored in the context of earlier adolescent risk as well as consequences in adulthood. Implications for prevention and identifying those at the highest risk for alcohol problems, as well as poor mental and physical health in adulthood are discussed.