Why do adolescents drink? Motivational patterns related to alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems.

Comasco E, Berglund K, Oreland L, Nilsson KW

Subst Use Misuse 45 (10) 1589-1604 [2010-08-00; online 2010-07-02]

The present study was designed to investigate motivational patterns for drinking alcohol and their relation about alcohol consumption and problems related to alcohol consumption. Data were collected by semistructured interviews and questionnaires, containing questions about reasons for drinking, alcohol consumption, and problems related to alcohol consumption during the years 2001, 2004, and 2005. Three independent population samples from two different counties of central Sweden were included. A total of 11,167 adolescents participated. Data on reasons for drinking were analyzed by factor analysis to extract components explaining drinking motives. Relationships between motivational patterns and alcohol use were examined with correlation analysis. Three drinking motives emerged (social-enhancement, coping, and dominance motives) and related to alcohol consumption and problems related to alcohol consumption. Limitations of the study are noted and discussed.

Erika Comasco

SciLifeLab Fellow

PubMed 20590377

DOI 10.3109/10826081003690159

Crossref 10.3109/10826081003690159


Publications 9.5.0