Risk perception, personality factors and alcohol use among adolescents

The role of risk perceptions and personality in adolescents’ participation in alcohol-related risk taking was investigated using structural equation modeling techniques. High-school students (N=323) reported on their level of participation in alcohol-related and other forms of risky activities and rated these activities on nine risk-perception scales. Their levels of sensation seeking, ego control, achievement and independence were also assessed. Structural equation modeling indicated that perceived benefits vs risks, grade level, and independence were directly associated with participation in alcohol-related activities. Sensation seeking, ego control, achievement and independence were indirectly associated with alcohol-related activities through perceived benefits vs risks. The implications of risk perceptions as proximal predictors of adolescent alcohol-related risk taking are discussed.