Relationship of Changes in Adolescents' Leisure Activities to Alcohol Use    

Judith R. Vicary, PhD; 
Edward Smith, DrPH; 
Linda Caldwell, PhD;  
John D. Swisher, PhD 

Objective: To determine if a decrease in involvement in positive leisure activities preceded the transition to monthly-or-more often use of alcohol. Methods: 460 rural students were surveyed annually for 5 years regarding their participation in health and leisure behaviors. Results: Although gender and grade differences were found, increases in social activities (parties, dating, being with a crowd) most often occurred prior to increased alcohol use; decreases in sports, hobbies and crafts, and church involvement also preceded females' increased alcohol use. Conclusion: Leisure activities should be carefully selected and monitored in efforts to limit adolescent involvement with problem behaviors including alcohol abuse.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(4):276-282