2 November 2015
Researchers: Dr. Tara O’Neill, Dr. Aisling McLaughlin, Dr. Kathryn Higgins, Ms. Claire McCartan, Dr. Siobhan Murphy – Institute of Child Care Research, Queen’s University Belfast. Dr. Diana Gossrau-Breen, Public Health Agency (PHA), Belfast.
Key findings
- Three distinct profiles of adolescent drinking were identified (Late Onsetters, Steady Increasers, Minimal Users), all of which showed stable and linear patterns of alcohol growth over time.
- Some factors were more important for certain trajectories, such as disengagement and attitudes at different age periods, and the later likelihood of being NEET.
- Regular drinking by mid adolescence has the potential to determine life trajectories by adversely affecting successful transitions between roles and statuses such as gaining employment or commencing training after leaving school.
- Understanding the complex interplay between regular drinking and employment marginalisation among young adults is crucial in developing targeted interventions.
