Abstract

This revised R01 application seeks to prospectively study predictors of changes in alcohol use across three transitional periods in young adulthood (early-, middle-, and later-young adulthood). Epidemiologic data indicate that the peak period for alcohol use and alcohol disorders occurs between ages 18-25 years, with reductions in use following this age interval. Maturing out, i.e., as individuals assume adult roles (e.g., marital partner, full-time employee), has been proposed as an explanation for these behavioral changes. The limited number of studies evaluating maturing out of alcohol use have yielded mixed findings, with some supporting overall reductions in use whereas other studies suggest substantial heterogeneity. This R01 application proposes to use a 23-year, seven-wave longitudinal dataset, with an age range of 15-34 years to examine adolescent and young adult predictors of changes in alcohol use across young adulthood. Multisource data from young adults, their spouses, and their parents will be used to investigate the role of interpersonal factors (e.g., conflict, support) and young adult alcohol use in the marital and family context. Work-related and interpersonal stressors will also be investigated as joint predictors of changes in alcohol use. Several different analytic techniques (e.g., latent growth models, latent growth mixture models, latent transition models) will be used to evaluate changes in alcohol use across YA transitions.

Public Health Relevance

Epidemiologic data indicate that the peak period for alcohol use and alcohol disorders occurs between ages 18-25 years, with reductions in use following this age interval. An explanation for decreases in alcohol use after age 25 years is 'maturing out', i.e., as individuals assume adult roles (e.g., marital partner, full-time employee) they significantly alter a range of behaviors, including levels of alcohol use. This revised R01 application proposes to use a 23-year, seven- wave longitudinal dataset, with an age range of 15-34, to examine adolescent and young adult predictors (e.g., interpersonal and work-related stressors) and outcomes of transitions in alcohol use across early, middle, and later young adulthood.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AA023826-02
Application #
9213341
Study Section
Risk, Prevention and Intervention for Addictions Study Section (RPIA)
Program Officer
Ruffin, Beverly
Project Start
2016-02-05
Project End
2019-01-31
Budget Start
2017-02-01
Budget End
2018-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$315,900
Indirect Cost
$113,400

  Institution

Name
Emory University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
066469933
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322