Document Type
Article
Department
Behavioral and Organizational Sciences (CGU)
Publication Date
2012
Disciplines
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Substance Abuse and Addiction
Abstract
Based on prospective British Cohort Study data, adolescent alcohol use predicted the timing and stability of committed partnerships between 16 and 34 years (n = 3278; 59% female). Propensity score methods balanced age 16 heavy drinkers (32.4%) and nonheavy drinkers on a range of relevant risk factors assessed in infancy and childhood. Adolescent heavy drinking predicted having ever cohabited, earlier transitions into cohabiting and marital relationships, more breakups, and an increased likelihood of divorce. Gender and social class moderated these relationships; heavy-drinking working-class males were especially likely to cohabit and to experience early entry into cohabitation and marriage. Implications for practitioners focus on the benefits of reducing adolescent heavy drinking and precocious transitions to committed partnerships.
Rights Information
© 2012 Alliance for Children and Families
Terms of Use & License Information
DOI
10.1606/1044-3894.4216
Recommended Citation
Williams, L. R., Wray-Lake, L., Loken, E., & Maggs, J. L. (2012). The effects of adolescent heavy drinking on the timing and stability of cohabitation and marriage. Families in Society, 93(3), 181-188. doi:10.1606/1044-3894.4216
