Similarities and Differences in Correlates of Alcohol Consumption and Problem Behaviors Among Male and Female Adolescents

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Abstract
This study examined similarities and differences in correlates of alcohol consumption and problem behaviors among a random household sample of male and female adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Several similarities emerged between the two gender groups which were consistent with previous research, including a pattern of convergence among the variables of alcohol consumption, times drunk in the last year, and delinquent behavior; the salience of the peer context in alcohol-related behavior; and high associations between reasons, or motives, for drinking and alcohol consumption and problem behaviors. With respect to reasons for drinking, excitement-seeking, or pleasurable, reasons were highly related to outcome variables. Gender differences were reported for relationships between two indices of affective functioning, namely distress symptoms and escapist, tension-reducing reasons for drinking, and outcome variables related to delinquent behavior school functioning, and aspects of self-concept. These differences are discussed with respect to possible differential socialization experiences among males and females.