Emotionele problemen en alcohol verwachtingen van adolescenten. Een studie naar de samenhang tussen emotionele problemen en alcohol verwachtingen van adolescenten van 9 tot en met 13 jaar.

Abstract

Introduction. This study investigated the relationship between emotional problems and alcohol expectations of adolescents aged 9 to 13 years. In addition, it was investigated whether this relationship is moderated by socio-economic status (SES) of the household. It was expected that positive emotional problems is associated with alcohol expectations of adolescents and that this relationship is weaker for adolescents with a high SES. Method. A multiple regression analysis was used. The sample consists of 756 adolescents (M = 10.93, SD = 0.71; 45% boy). Emotional problems, alcohol expectancies (i.e, social, enhancement, coping and conformity) and the control variables gender and school advice were measured with self-report questionnaires. Results. The multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between emotional problems and alcohol expectation regarding coping. The remaining alcohol expectancies (i.e, social, enhancement, conformity) were not significantly associated with emotional problems. SES was found to show no significant moderator effect. Discussion. It is important to develop interventions that provide psycho-education about the negative effects of alcohol use. In addition, future research should study if the enhancement of coping mechanisms of adolescents that focus on problem solving and seeking social support, is related to a less positive alcohol expectancy about coping.