An Examination of Peer, Family, and Community Context Risk Factors for Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Intentions in Early Adolescents

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between peer, family, and community context risk factors and alcohol use; gender is examined as a potential moderator of these relationships. Hierarchical logistic regressions conducted in a sample of 781 seventh grade students found that normative beliefs about peers’ alcohol use emerged as the most consistent predictor of current use, lifetime alcohol initiation, and intentions to initiate drinking. Poorer parent–child relationship quality also increased adolescents’ odds of lifetime initiation and current alcohol use. After accounting for peer and family factors, greater perceived availability of alcohol was significantly associated with increased odds of current and lifetime use. Both community context risk predictors were significantly associated with increased risk of intending to initiate alcohol use among nonusers. Results demonstrated some support for gender moderating these relationships; poor family relationship quality increased girls’ odds of initiating alcohol use while more permissive community norms increased boys’ odds of initiating alcohol use.