Alcohol self-control behaviors of adolescents

PurposeThe aims of the present study were to: (1) factor analyze a 13-item adolescent alcohol self-control behavior scale, (2) examine associations between frequency of self-control behavior use and alcohol consumption, and (3) to determine which self-control behaviors best predict alcohol use and consequences.MethodsA confidential standardized survey was used to collect data on participant's 30-day frequency, quantity, and heavy use of alcohol; alcohol-related consequences; and alcohol self-control behaviors.ResultsA principal component factor analysis produced the following three components: Healthy Alternatives (α = .81), Self-regulation (α = .72), and Assertive Communication (α = .73). MANOVAs indicated strong associations between frequency of use of the three types of self-control behaviors and alcohol consumption (p values ≤ .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that Self-regulation behaviors were the best predictor for all alcohol use measures and consequences (p values ≤ .001).ConclusionSelf-control behaviors differ in their ability to predict alcohol use and consequences. Self-regulation strategies emerged as the most consistent predictor of alcohol use patterns and consequences among adolescents, followed by Healthy Alternatives.