Problem drinking and psychological well-being: A five-year follow-up study from adolescence to young adulthood

Journal/Book: Scand J Psychol. 1999; 40: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 197-207.

Abstract: The psychological well-being of 651 Finnish adolescents (approximately age 17) was followed to young adulthood (age 22) and examined in terms of their drinking styles at age 22. The young adults were grouped into four categories delineating drinking style (non-users, non-problem drinkers, presumptive problem drinkers, and problem drinkers), and each group was examined for evolved paths of psychological well-being. The psychological profile of the participants was comprised of seven variables: self-esteem, trait anxiety, somatic symptoms, eating concerns, and mature, neurotic, and immature defense styles. The comparison of the drinking style categories revealed that future problem drinkers had lower states of psychological well-being already in adolescence and that the differences became more pronounced during the transition to young adulthood. Poor psychological well-being is a risk for the development of later problem drinking, although the profile of this poor psychological state is somewhat different in women and men.

Note: Article Pitkanen T, Veerantie 10 B, Vantaa 01400, FINLAND

Keyword(s): problem drinking; adolescents; young adults; follow-up; psychological well-being; GENDER DIFFERENCES; EATING DISORDERS; COLLEGE-STUDENTS; SEX-DIFFERENCES; SUBSTANCE USE; ALCOHOL-USE; PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITY; PSYCHOSOMATIC SYMPTOMS; DEFENSE-MECHANISMS; PROBLEM DRINKERS

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