This proposal is designed to examine the continuity/discontinuity of alcohol consumption patterns and alcohol problems over the transition to marriage and is guided by a probabilistic-developmental framework (Zucker, 1993). From this perspective, changes in drinking risk over developmental transitions are influenced by both the preceding risk status as well as changes that arise as a function of the developmental transition in the individual, in his or her relationships, and in the social environment. Thus, observed reductions in drinking over the marital transition could arise from individual difference factors, relationship factors, or peer and social network factors. Methodologically, the project involves recruiting 600 couples, age 18 to 35, as they apply for their marriage license for their first marriage, and assessing these couples at the time they apply for their marriage license, at 12 months postmarriage, and at 24 months postmarriage. The assessment, which will be identical for husband and wife, will include measures of the following substantive domains: (1) Drinking Patterns and Problems; (2) Individual Difference Factors (i.e., Family History of Alcoholism, Socialization, Negative Affect); (3) Marital Quality; (4) Social Network Characteristics. Structural equation modeling will be utilized to examine both the cross-sectional and the longitudinal relationship of individual difference factors, marital and family factors, and social network factors to the alcohol use and problems of both husbands and wives. It is predicted that a model emphasizing the mediational role of social networks will best describe changes in drinking though individual risk factors and marital quality may also impact drinking. In addition, the study will assess whether the drinking trajectories over the two years are comparable for those going through the marital transition in a normative fashion versus those going through the transition by one of several nonnormative paths (late first marriage, presence of children prior to marriage, extensive cohabitation prior to marriage) and whether subsequent transitions to parenthood, or other major events and environmental stressors common to this developmental period, have a further impact on drinking and drinking problems.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AA009922-02
Application #
2389896
Study Section
Clinical and Treatment Subcommittee (ALCP)
Project Start
1996-04-01
Project End
2001-03-31
Budget Start
1997-04-01
Budget End
1998-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Research Institute on Addictions
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Buffalo
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14203
Lau-Barraco, Cathy; Braitman, Abby L; Leonard, Kenneth E et al. (2012) Drinking buddies and their prospective influence on alcohol outcomes: alcohol expectancies as a mediator. Psychol Addict Behav 26:747-58
Homish, Gregory G; Leonard, Kenneth E; Cornelius, Jack R (2008) Illicit drug use and marital satisfaction. Addict Behav 33:279-91
Schumacher, Julie A; Leonard, Kenneth E (2005) Husbands' and wives' marital adjustment, verbal aggression, and physical aggression as longitudinal predictors of physical aggression in early marriage. J Consult Clin Psychol 73:28-37
Kearns, Jill N; Leonard, Kenneth E (2004) Social networks, structural interdependence, and marital quality over the transition to marriage: a prospective analysis. J Fam Psychol 18:383-95
Leonard, Kenneth E; Mudar, Pamela (2004) Husbands' influence on wives' drinking: testing a relationship motivation model in the early years of marriage. Psychol Addict Behav 18:340-9
Leonard, Kenneth E; Mudar, Pamela (2003) Peer and partner drinking and the transition to marriage: a longitudinal examination of selection and influence processes. Psychol Addict Behav 17:115-25
Mudar, Pamela; Kearns, Jill N; Leonard, Kenneth E (2002) The transition to marriage and changes in alcohol involvement among black couples and white couples. J Stud Alcohol 63:568-76
Leonard, K E (2002) Alcohol's role in domestic violence: a contributing cause or an excuse? Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl :9-14
Mudar, P; Leonard, K E; Soltysinski, K (2001) Discrepant substance use and marital functioning in newlywed couples. J Consult Clin Psychol 69:130-4
Testa, M; Leonard, K E (2001) The impact of husband physical aggression and alcohol use on marital functioning: does alcohol ""excuse"" the violence? Violence Vict 16:507-16

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