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Abstract:
This study sought to determine if differences were observable between
participants identified as functional users of alcohol and those identified as
dysfunctional users. The age of first experience with alcohol, self-esteem
and an awareness of alcohol abuse were of primary importance in this study.
An additional examination was done regarding gender differences in alcohol use
and dysfunction. Finally the role of the family unit and their use of
alcohol while the study participants were in an adolescent phase of development
were examined to determine if a relationship exists with their current reported
level of alcohol use.
Brief Summary of
Results: Significant results and those results which were
showing a trend toward significance were observed for the following items:
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A trend towards a
significant result was seen with the variable binge drinking in participants
under the age of 21 during the last month, t(24)=-1.711, p=.00. This
indicates that participants who had not engaged in binge drinking during the
previous month had slightly more knowledge about alcohol than participants
who had binge drank in the previous month.
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In participants over
the age of 21 the following trends towards significance were seen in their
knowledge of alcohol and lifetime binge drinking, t(59)=1.867, p=.067, binge
drinking during the last year, t(59)=1.435, p=.157, and binge drinking
during the month, t(59)=1.383, p=.172.
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The second hypothesis
predicted that individuals demonstrating a dysfunctional use of alcohol
would accurately report their abuse. In the data analysis for
participants <21, the results approached significance, t(19)=1.735, p=.099.
In those participants >21, the results also approached significance,
t(52)=-1.641, p=.107.
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Significance results
were also found regarding the use of illegal drugs by participants.
Those participants reporting illegal drug activity prior to their first use
of alcohol reported mean AUDIT scores of 10.10 while those denying drug use
prior to their first alcohol use reported mean AUDIT scores of 5.31,
t(56)=2.269, p=.027. Quiz scores also reported a significant
difference between the two groups, t(24)=-3.377, p=.002.
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Significant results
were also obtained for participants >21 who reported alcohol being routinely
present in their homes and their current AUDIT scores, t(74)=2.449, p=.017.
To review the entire
results section please contact the study author at Austin23@marshall.edu.
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