Motivators and Influences on American Indian Adolescent Alcohol Use and Binge Behavior: A Qualitative Exploration

ABSTRACT

We explore the four-class drinking motives model within the context of peer and family influence on American Indian (AI) adolescent alcohol use, specifically binge behavior. A qualitative cross-sectional case-control study design was utilized; in-depth interviews were collected with 38 AI adolescents from one tribal community. Results suggest a three-class model more accurately captures drinking motives among cases and that family influence is as important as peer. Cases weren't connected to school whereas controls were strongly attached, and engaged in extracurricular programs. Adolescents illuminated culturally relevant prevention strategies that are family based, teach coping skills, and promote school bonding and structured community-based activity.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescent
• alcohol use
• American Indian
• drinking motives model
• qualitative

Acknowledgments

We respectfully acknowledge the participating youths, families, community members, and tribal leaders for their innovation and leadership in pioneering research strategies for adolescent alcohol use prevention.

Funding

We give thanks to the Native American Research Centers for Health for funding this research (#U26IHS300414A).