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Binge drinking trajectories across adolescence: For early maturing youth, extra-curricular activities are protective
Modecki, Kathryn Lynn Barber, Bonnie L. Eccles, Jacquelynne
Modecki, Kathryn Lynn
Barber, Bonnie L.
Eccles, Jacquelynne
Abstract
Purpose
To describe adolescent binge drinking trajectories across grades 8–11 and examine their associations with pubertal timing, socioeconomic status (SES), and structured activity and sport involvement.
Methods
Longitudinal data were analyzed from the Youth Activity Participation Study (YAPS), an annual survey of youth in 39 schools across Western Australia (N = 1,342).
Results
Latent class growth analysis revealed four binge drinking trajectory groups: Accelerating (early onset, increased frequency), Steep Increase (delayed onset, rapid escalation), Slow Growth (delayed onset, gradual increase) and Stable Low (abstinence). Accelerating was characterized by early pubertal timing, low SES, and more sport involvement in grade 8, relative to Stable Low. The groups did not significantly differ in their grade 8 activity participation. However, for early maturers, greater grade 8 activity participation was associated with a decreased probability of belonging to Steep Increase relative to Stable Low.
Conclusions
Early pubertal timing and sports participation increased the odds of belonging to a problematic binge drinking trajectory. For youth at-risk due to early pubertal timing, structured activities appear to be protective against a problematic developmental course of binge drinking.
Keywords
Binge drinking, Pubertal timing, Extra-curricular activities, Longitudinal studies
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health
Book
Volume
54
Issue
1
Page Range
61-66
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled