Abstract
This study examined the parallel mediational processes between sensation seeking and parental rules on alcohol, in the emergence of heavy episodic drinking (HED) in adolescents. Data were drawn from a U.K. clustered randomized control trial (control arm only, N ≈ 6,300, Mage at baseline = 12.5). Using parallel process latent growth curve analysis, stricter parental rules at baseline were found to be associated with greater declines in sensation seeking over time and a lower risk of HED at follow-up (+33 months). Higher initial levels of sensation seeking predicted a faster relaxation of parental rules and a greater risk of HED. By maintaining strict rules about alcohol, parents may promote a positive reduction in sensation seeking and a lower risk of HED.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 814 – 821 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of Research on Adolescence |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 16 Jul 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - Dec 2019 |
Funding
This study was funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research (PHR) programme (project number 10/3002/09). The funder had no involvement in intervention design; design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; and preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR-PHR, NIHR, NHS or the Department of Health.