De relatie tussen de start van de pubertijd en alcoholgebruik in de adolescentie: de modererende rol van ouderlijk toezicht

Abstract

Increased alcohol use during adolescence is a common problem. A possible cause for this is an early or late start of puberty. The current study investigates the relationship between the start of puberty and alcohol use. Additionally, it examines the extent to which parental monitoring moderates the relationship between the onset of puberty and alcohol use. 419 adolescents (mean age 16 years) participated in this study. The level of alcohol use was measured by 2 self-report questions. The onset of puberty was measured using the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS). Parental monitoring was measured using Parenting Practices. The results show that parental monitoring does not moderate the relationship between alcohol consumption and the onset of puberty. A positive small significant effect was found between late onset of puberty and alcohol use. In addition, a small negative significant relationship was found between parental monitoring and alcohol use. Both variables have a small influence on adolescent alcohol consumption.