Drinking among Rural Youth: The Dynamics of Parental and Peer Influence

Abstract

Students (8th and 12th grade) were studied in 3 counties of north central Idaho, USA. Questions were administered in the classroom setting. At least 16% of 8th graders and 34% of 12th graders in north central Idaho counties drink frequently. A much higher proportion drink occasionally. Drinking behavior of parents and closeness of relationship with parents are strongly related to drinking patterns. An even stronger relationship exists between drinking and peer relationships. A high degree of problem-related communication with parents is associated with lower probability of drinking, while low problem-related communication with peers is associated with less frequent drinking.