Differences in Predictors of Alcohol-Related Aggression and Non-Alcohol-Related Violent Perpetration: An Exploratory Analysis in a Sample of Young Adult Drinkers

Abstract

In a secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, the present article explored whether drinking behaviors, early behavioral problems, risk-taking and demographic variables were differentially associated with alcohol-related aggression (arguments or fights after drinking) and non-alcohol-related violent perpetration (hitting or attacking someone) among drinkers aged 17 to 21. The most notable finding was that heavy episodic drinking and usual drinking location were significantly associated with arguments or fights after drinking but not with attacking or hurting someone, suggesting that drinking behaviors are risk factors that are specific to alcohol-related aggression; however, because identical measures of aggression were not used, further research is required. Additionally, predictors of engaging in both forms of aggression were examined, with findings indicating that drinking behavior, early conduct problems, and demographic variables were significant explanatory variables. Thus, there may be heightened risks associated with engaging in multiple forms of aggression.