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The Role of Identity in Positive Alcohol Use Attitudes, Risky Drinking, and Alcohol-Related Problems Among
Seo Woo Lee1, Tae Kyoung Lee2, Alan Meca3
1Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.
Summary
Adolescent identity coherence protects against risky drinking and alcohol problems. Identity confusion is linked to more positive alcohol attitudes. Interventions should focus on strengthening identity coherence in diverse youth.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Psychology
- Substance Use Research
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Adolescence sees rising positive attitudes toward alcohol, increased risky drinking, and more alcohol-related problems.
- Identity coherence is linked to better health outcomes, while identity confusion is associated with increased vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine trajectories of alcohol attitudes, risky drinking, and alcohol problem onset in adolescents.
- Investigate the unique predictive effects of identity coherence and confusion on these alcohol-related outcomes.
- Focus on racially and ethnically diverse adolescent populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized six waves of school-based data (2014-2017) from 812 adolescents.
- Sample predominantly Hispanic (39.5%) and non-Hispanic Black (34.0%).
- Employed latent growth curve modeling and discrete-time survival analysis.
Main Results:
- Positive alcohol attitudes and risky drinking increased throughout adolescence, peaking around age 16.
- Identity coherence negatively predicted alcohol attitudes, risky drinking, and problem onset.
- Identity confusion positively predicted positive alcohol attitudes but not other outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening identity coherence is crucial for mitigating negative alcohol-related cognitions, behaviors, and problems in adolescents.
- Identity-focused interventions are recommended for diverse adolescent populations.
- Findings highlight the protective role of identity coherence against adolescent alcohol misuse.
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