Violence Exposure, Self-Esteem and Alcohol Consumption in Adolescents

This study examined exposure to violence, self-esteem and alcohol consumption in young adolescents. Two hundred sixth and ninth graders in the public schools of a Midwestern small metropolitan area completed the Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors in their first period class. Being a victim/witnesses of violence was associated with more alcohol consumption. Self-esteem did not predict alcohol use nor did it interact with violence exposure in predicting alcohol use. Students participating in violence reported more alcohol use. Self-esteem interacted with participating in violence such that higher self-esteem increased the likelihood of alcohol use among youth participating in violence. It is logical both being a victim/witness of violence and participating in violence are risk factors for alcohol use. However, it appears that high self-esteem does not protect against alcohol consumption among youth who are victims/witness of violence, and in fact is a risk factor in adolescents who participate in violence. This suggests that intervening to reduce exposure to violence (as a victim/witness and perpetrator) may be helpful in reducing risk of alcohol use in young adolescents