NJ Teens and Alcohol

While adolescence remains a critical period of increased exposure to high-risk behaviors, like alcohol consumption, there are teens that choose to steer clear from the lure of heavy drinking. The protective factors--or resiliency--surrounding certain teens that seem to bypass the dangers of alcohol is the topic of a new study co-authored by a Rutgers University's Camden campus scholar.

Dr. Sharon Lyter, director of field instruction at the School of Social Work at Rutgers University's Camden campus, with her husband Dr. Lloyd Lyter, director of the School of Social Work at Marywood University in Scranton, have identified characteristics that seem to safeguard teens from abusing alcohol, all of which emphasize the importance of parental involvement.

Recently published in The Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, the husband-and-wife research team reevaluated data obtained from a 1986 study that surveyed 2,059 New Jersey high school students about their drinking and drug use. Rather than focus on the respondents that reported alcohol abuse, the Lyters sought to identify protective factors associated with teens that didn't use alcohol at all or only in limited amounts. Their findings suggest that teens are less likely to drink recklessly, if they live in a disciplined, two-parent--or "intact"--household; share similar views on alcohol as their parents; experience first exposure to alcohol with their parents in a controlled, cultural setting; and have scholastic goals that are supported by their parents.

As parents of three adult children, the Lyters know firsthand the trials of raising a teenager. "There are a zillion influences on teens, though our research focuses specifically on the choices we make. While we can't control our biology, we might be able to better control what kind of household we provide for our family," says Sharon Lyter.

The Lyters are furthering their research on youth and alcohol by interviewing adults who avoided harmful activities during adolescence.

For more information, contact Sharon Lyter at (856) 225-6450 (office) or lyter@camden.rutgers.edu.

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Author: Press Release-Rutgers University