Abstract
Objective: To determine if a decrease in involvement in positive leisure activities preceded the transition to monthly-or-more often use of alcohol. Methods: 460 rural students were surveyed annually for 5 years regarding their participation in health and leisure behaviors. Results: Although gender and grade differences were found, increases in social activities (parties, dating, being with a crowd) most often . occurred prior to increased alcohol use; decreases in sports, hobbies and crafts, and church involvement also preceded females' increased alcohol use. Conclusion: Leisure activities should be carefully selected and monitored in efforts to limit adolescent involvement with problem behaviors including alcohol abuse.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 276-282 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American Journal of Health Behavior |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - Jul 1 1998 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Health(social science)
- Social Psychology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health