Multiple mechanisms influencing the relationship between alcohol consumption and peer alcohol use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alcohol consumption is typically correlated with the alcohol use behaviors of one's peers. Previous research has suggested that this positive relationship could be due to social selection, social influence, or a combination of both processes. However, few studies have considered the role of shared genetic and environmental influences in conjunction with causal processes.

Methods

This study uses data from a sample of male twins (N = 1,790) who provided retrospective reports of their own alcohol consumption and their peers' alcohol-related behaviors, from adolescence into young adulthood (ages 12 to 25). Structural equation modeling was employed to compare 3 plausible models of genetic and environmental influences on the relationship between phenotypes over time.

SUBMITTER: Edwards AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4331262 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature