Psychosocial and Contextual Factors Related to Early Drinking Initiation in a Sample of Italian Adolescents (12-14 years)

Abstract

Underage drinking is common in Italy. Children experiment under parental supervision their first sip of alcohol as family is reputed a factor of mitigation of unwanted consequences. However, evidence about later age outcomes is not conclusive. Methods. A national sample of 1.180 lower secondary school students (12-14), was surveyed for first drinking experience, subsequent drinking and opinions on alcohol. Multivariate analysis was conducted using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis. Results. 1) alcohol use (including drunkenness) is mediated by frequency but also by facility of access and peers. Positive alcohol appreciation normalizes the idea that moderate drinking is unproblematic; 2) girls are more exposed to drunkenness if their peers get drunk; 3) initiation under adults external to parents expose to uncontrolled drinking; 4) a positive appreciation at first experience confirms higher consumption levels but not excess. Conclusion. Alcohol initiation seems relatively independent from the presence/absence of family figures. Peers mediates towards higher consumptions.

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Contel M., Buzzi C., Loner E., Sartori F., Tucci M. (2018) "Psychosocial and Contextual Factors Related to Early Drinking Initiation in a Sample of Italian Adolescents (12-14 years) " Italian Journal of Sociology of Education, 10(3), 201-219. DOI: 10.14658/PUPJ-IJSE-2018-3-10  
Year of Publication
2018
Journal
Italian Journal of Sociology of Education
Volume
10
Issue Number
3
Start Page
201
Last Page
219
Date Published
11/2018
ISSN Number
2035-4983
Serial Article Number
10
DOI
10.14658/PUPJ-IJSE-2018-3-10
Issue
Section
Articles