Background

Alcohol beverage consumption by youths under the legal age of purchase has been an issue for decades in the United States.   While recent reductions are found with alcohol consumption by high school youth over the last 15 years, and some reductions of heavier drinking (5+ drinks at a time) are found, higher risk use (being drunk) is virtually unchanged.   Underage and teen drinking causes concern for many individuals and groups, including parents, policy makers, school personnel, community leaders, law enforcement personnel and business leaders.    Negative consequences are all-too-common, including property damage, unwanted sex, personal injury, fights, death, and hampered potential. 

While underage drinking technically applies to those under the legal age of purchase of 21, a primary concern is with youths who are 18 or under.   This research project focuses primarily on the 18 and under age group (i.e., youth of middle and high school age).   While the 18-21 age group will be engaged, that portion of the research is designed to provide insights regarding their experiences as youth under age 18.  The foundation is that if underage drinking among the middle and high school population can be addressed, then it is reasonable to expect that this will have an effect upon similar reductions in the 18-21 underage audience (college-age youth). 

The unique approach taken with this research project is based upon the primary research questions that focus upon the cultures surrounding teen drinking.   The methodology, project directors, and advisory panel parallel this orientation with the blend of public health and anthropological approaches.   
The goal of this project is to gain an understanding of the culture surrounding youths’ use of alcohol, including as much detail and depth as can reasonably be gathered in a focused, scientifically-grounded approach.   Outcomes incorporated within this goal include:

• The influences upon a youth’s decision to drink/not drink alcohol, how they drink (experimentally, moderately, heavily), patterns of consumption, what they drink, source of alcohol, type of consumption (responsible, irresponsible, abusive), setting and circumstances, and related factors. 
  
  
• How adults (especially parents) view youth drinking.
  
  
• The nature of acceptance/non-acceptance by various groups (e.g., parents, adults, school personnel, community leaders, peers).
  
  
• The level of knowledge by various groups of individuals.
  
  
• An assessment of the context of and reasons associated with early experiences (e.g., first time tasting alcohol, using alcohol, getting drunk, not drinking alcohol).
  
  
• The source of youths’ ‘permission’ to drink alcohol, and associated ‘when and where’ factors. 
  
  
• Who and what might influence future youth decisions.

The ultimate issue is to identify the culture surrounding youths’ use of alcohol.   Once a greater understanding of these factors is gained, specific strategies may be considered for intervention and prevention development and/or promotion.    The focus of this assessment is upon the psychological and sociological ecosystems that affect youths as they make decisions and engage in alcohol-related behaviors.   

This independent research project is funded by a grant from
The Century Council.   The resources and products generated represent intellectual property of George Mason University and the project co-directors and staff.