Alcohol Use and Self-Esteem of Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of self-esteem among a group of adolescents and its relationship to their drinking behavior. A total of 411 students, ranging from age twelve to eighteen completed questionnaires on drinking behavior, a problem drinking scale and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. The results revealed that regular users possessed significantly higher mean scores in overall self-esteem as compared to all other drinking categories. Potential problem drinkers obtained significantly lower scores in academic self-esteem when compared to all other drinking categories. Mean scores in peer self-esteem were significantly higher in regular and potential problem drinkers as compared to abstainers and occasional drinkers. These observations suggested that educators should consider self-esteem building activities when devising and incorporating alcohol education programs directed at the teenage population.