A longitudinal examination of mediational pathways linking chronic victimization and exclusion to adolescent alcohol use

The current study examined developmentally informed pathways from peer victimization and exclusion to adolescent alcohol use. Using multiple informants (target and peer report of negative peer experiences) and a longitudinal sample of 387 adolescents, we examined 2 developmental pathways from these negative peer experiences to alcohol use, 1 through externalizing symptoms and the other through internalizing symptoms. When analyzed in separate models, results suggested that self-reported chronic peer victimization and exclusion were positively related to alcohol use through internalizing symptoms and coping motivated drinking. The risk pathway replicated for exclusion when using peer report of negative peer experiences. When victimization and exclusion were tested simultaneously in the same model, the risk pathway through internalizing symptoms and coping drinking motives was only supported for chronic exclusion and this finding replicated across reporters. No support was found for negative peer experiences operating through externalizing symptoms. Findings from the present study help clarify developmental pathways linking negative peer experiences to alcohol use and suggest that experiencing chronic exclusion may have a particularly deleterious impact on alcohol use during adolescence.