The effect of sensation seeking on alcohol use among middle school students: a latent state-trait analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sensation seeking has been implicated as a major risk factor for underage alcohol use, however little research into this personality trait has been conducted among children.

Objective

The current study examined if sensation seeking presents as a state or trait in children, and if the state or trait predicted future alcohol use.

Methods

A latent state-trait (LST) analysis was conducted among 552 individuals (54.3% female; age range 8-13; mean age 9.3) to determine the state or trait-based aspects of sensation seeking, and if this state or trait predicted future alcohol use. Sensation seeking behavior and lifetime alcohol use were assessed at four time points using two previously validated measures.

Results

Between 49.4% and 95.3% of individual differe

SUBMITTER: Cappelli C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7064400 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature