Characteristics of non-drinking adolescents: a longitudinal Swedish study

• Published in: International journal of adolescence and youth Vol. 29; no. 1
• Main Authors: Boson, Karin, Vlasman, Sabina, Berglund, Kristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 31-12-2024
• Subjects: Alcohol use; non-drinking adolescents; positive attitudes towards alcohol; psychoactive substance use; psychological health; Psychology; Psykologi; social interactions
• ISSN: 0267-3843; 2164-4527; 2164-4527
• DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2024.2312861

This study investigated whether non-drinking adolescents (n = 195), with no previous experience with alcohol, differed over time from drinking adolescents (n = 406). Potential differences in psychological health (mental well-being, psychosomatic symptoms, conduct problems), social interaction frequencies (new friends, time spent with friends and social interaction through a screen device), psychoactive substance use, and positive attitudes towards alcohol was investigated. Additionally, the study examined whether these attributes in 9th grade could predict total abstinence two years later. Non-drinkers were consistently characterized by fewer social interactions, less positive attitudes towards alcohol, a lower probability of using other drugs, and fewer conduct problems from 14 to 17 years, which may imply a more introverted personality function. This study contributes insights into predicting factors linked to alcohol abstinence in adolescence, particularly the characteristics of non-drinking adolescents in a society where a declining trend of alcohol consumption is emerging.