Trajectory and Predictors of Early Adolescent Alcohol Use

The aim of this study was to identify the developmental trajectory and predictors of Korean early adolescents' alcohol use. The sample comprised 2844 adolescents who participated in the five-wave longitudinal Korea Youth Panel Study, in which students were assessed annually from grade 4 (aged 11 years) in 2004 to grade 8 (aged 15 years) in 2008. Latent growth curve (LGC) modeling was conducted and a quadratic (J-shaped) LGC model was supported. Personality-and environment-system predictors, based on problem-behavior theory, were specified to account for variation in intra-individual changes in alcohol use. Self-control, depressive affect, parental abuse, number of drinking friends, and gender significantly predicted the initial level of alcohol use. Self-control, depressive affect, parental abuse, peer attachment, gender, and family structure predicted the quadratic slope that was associated with the rate of acceleration of alcohol use. These findings suggest that more effort needs to be directed toward the implementation of alcohol prevention programs early in elementary schools and practitioners who are involved in effective alcohol-prevention and intervention programs that are aimed at delaying the initiation of alcohol use and reducing drinking during adolescence should consider various psychosocial factors.