NCJ Number
130691
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 36-45
Date Published
1991
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of selected family and peer characteristics on black adolescents' knowledge about alcohol, attitudes toward acceptable and unacceptable use of alcohol, and drinking behavior.
Abstract
A number of family and peer characteristics were examined in relation to black adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding alcohol use. Black students in grade 6, 8, 10, and 12 in Georgia and South Carolina (N=1,177) participated in the study; 20 schools in 6 school districts were involved. The results revealed that 7.2 percent were self-classified as heavy drinkers while 53.5 percent abstained from any alcohol use. Over one-half of the sample had tried alcohol before age 12. Urban black youth are no more likely to drink than rural youth. Students tended to have the same drinking behaviors as their friends and parents. Those classified as heavy drinkers were more knowledgeable and had more liberal attitudes regarding alcohol use. These students tended to believe that drinking to solve one's problems, to overcome shyness, to be "macho," and to drink to the point of drunkenness is acceptable. The article concludes that while the rates of moderate and heavy drinking among this sample are lower than white students surveyed in the same study, the prevalence of alcohol consumption is still cause for concern because alcohol abuse is a major health concern for black adults. 1 appendix, 5 tables, and 25 references (Author abstract modified)