Citation

Masten AS, Faden VB, Zucker RA, Spear LP. Pediatrics 2008; 121(4): S235-51.

Affiliation

Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, 51 East River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. amasten@umn.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/peds.2007-2243A

PMID

18381492

Abstract

A developmental framework for understanding and addressing the problem of underage alcohol consumption is presented. The first section presents the rationale for a developmental approach, including striking age-related data on patterns of onset, prevalence, and course of alcohol use and disorders in young people. The second section examines the fundamental meaning of a developmental approach to conceptualizing underage drinking. The third section delineates contemporary principles of developmental psychopathology as a guide to future research and intervention efforts. Strategic, sensitive, and effective efforts to address the problem of underage drinking will require a developmentally informed approach to research, prevention, and treatment.

Language: en