Movie exposure to alcohol cues and adolescent alcohol problems: a longitudinal analysis in a national sample

Psychol Addict Behav. 2009 Mar;23(1):23-35. doi: 10.1037/a0014137.

Abstract

The authors tested a theoretical model of how exposure to alcohol cues in movies predicts level of alcohol use (ever use plus ever and recent binge drinking) and alcohol-related problems. A national sample of younger adolescents was interviewed by telephone with 4 repeated assessments spaced at 8-month intervals. A structural equation modeling analysis performed for ever-drinkers at Time 3 (N = 961) indicated that, controlling for a number of covariates, movie alcohol exposure at Time 1 was related to increases in peer alcohol use and adolescent alcohol use at Time 2. Movie exposure had indirect effects to alcohol use and problems at Times 3 and 4 through these pathways, with direct effects to problems from Time 1 rebelliousness and Time 2 movie exposure also found. Prospective risk-promoting effects were also found for alcohol expectancies, peer alcohol use, and availability of alcohol in the home; protective effects were found for mother's responsiveness and for adolescent's school performance and self-control. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / prevention & control
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / prevention & control
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Child
  • Cues
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Motion Pictures*
  • Motivation*
  • Peer Group
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Facilitation*
  • United States / epidemiology