Citation

Tomcikova Z, Madarasova Geckova A, van Dijk JP, Reijneveld SA. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2011; 30(2): 157-165.

Affiliation

Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Medical Faculty, P J Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic, Health Psychology Unit, Institute of Public Health, Medical Faculty, P J Safarik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic, and Department of Social Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00209.x

PMID

21355923

Abstract

Introduction and Aims. This study aimed at comparing adolescent abstainers, consumers and excessive drinkers in terms of family characteristics (structure of family, socioeconomic factors), perceived social support, personality characteristics (extraversion, self-esteem, aggression) and well-being. Design and Methods. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 3694 school students in the 8th and 9th grades from several cities in Slovakia (mean age 14.5, 49.0% men; response rate 93%). Respondents completed questions on the use of alcohol and on family structure (parental divorce), the socioeconomic position of the family (parents' education and family affluence), perceived social support, extraversion, self-esteem, aggression and psychological well-being. They were split into three groups based on the pattern of alcohol use-abstainers, consumers and excessive drinkers (i.e. being drunk at least once during the past 4 weeks). Results. The results showed significant differences between abstainers, consumers and excessive drinkers in almost every characteristic explored. A risky pattern of alcohol consumption occurs more frequently among adolescents who have divorced parents, higher socioeconomic position, higher scores for perceived social support from friends, extraversion, negative self-esteem and aggression, and lower scores for social support from family and for well-being. Discussion and Conclusions. A risky pattern of alcohol consumption is more likely among relatively easily identifiable groups of adolescents from high socioeconomic position and divorced families. Their personalities and social networks have characteristics that could be accommodated in preventive interventions as well.

Language: en