Abstract
Although longitudinal evidence has linked alcohol use with aggressive behavior during adolescence, most studies have failed
to adequately control for the numerous between-individual differences that may underlie this association. In addition, few
studies of adolescents have examined whether the nature of the within-individual association between alcohol use and aggression
depends on individual and contextual factors. To address these limitations, this study examined the association between within-individual
changes in alcohol use and aggressive behavior across adolescence and determined whether impulsive behavior, positive attitudes
toward violence, violent peers, neighborhood crime, and race moderated this association. Data from 971 adolescent males assessed
annually from ages 13 to 18 were analyzed using a within-individual regression panel model that eliminated all stable between-individual
factors as potential confounds. Findings indicated that within-individual increases in alcohol use quantity from one’s own
typical levels of drinking were concurrently associated with within-individual increases in aggressive behavior, and vice
versa. However, increases in alcohol were more strongly linked to increases in aggressive behavior among boys with attitudes
favoring violence and those who lived in high-crime neighborhoods. The association between alcohol and aggressive behavior
was similar for White and Black young men. Interventions designed to reduce aggressive behaviors should consider targeting
not only alcohol use, but also individual and environmental risk factors that contribute to this link.
to adequately control for the numerous between-individual differences that may underlie this association. In addition, few
studies of adolescents have examined whether the nature of the within-individual association between alcohol use and aggression
depends on individual and contextual factors. To address these limitations, this study examined the association between within-individual
changes in alcohol use and aggressive behavior across adolescence and determined whether impulsive behavior, positive attitudes
toward violence, violent peers, neighborhood crime, and race moderated this association. Data from 971 adolescent males assessed
annually from ages 13 to 18 were analyzed using a within-individual regression panel model that eliminated all stable between-individual
factors as potential confounds. Findings indicated that within-individual increases in alcohol use quantity from one’s own
typical levels of drinking were concurrently associated with within-individual increases in aggressive behavior, and vice
versa. However, increases in alcohol were more strongly linked to increases in aggressive behavior among boys with attitudes
favoring violence and those who lived in high-crime neighborhoods. The association between alcohol and aggressive behavior
was similar for White and Black young men. Interventions designed to reduce aggressive behaviors should consider targeting
not only alcohol use, but also individual and environmental risk factors that contribute to this link.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-012-9673-0
- Authors
- Helene Raskin White, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8001, USA
- Paula Fite, Clinical Child Psychology Program, Kansas University, 2010 Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Dustin Pardini, Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Sterling Plaza, Suite 408, 201 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Eun-Young Mun, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8001, USA
- Rolf Loeber, Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh, Sterling Plaza, Suite 408, 201 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627