Adolescents' positive and negative affect and relations with alcohol use: a weekly study

Abstract

Drawing from a positive perspective on psychology, this study sheds light into the phenomena of alcohol abuse among adolescents. It aimed at understanding the patterns of positive and negative affect over a normal and full week of a group of adolescents that report using alcohol (users) and not using alcohol (non-users). 142 students attending secondary school (10th, 11th and 12th grades), 54.2 % females, age mean of 16,76 years old, participated in the study. Data was drawn making use of the Experience Sampling Method and a questionnaire for the evaluation of patterns of alcohol use. We aimed at studying the patterns of positive and negative affect of adolescents during a complete week of their lives. Results showed significant differences in positive and negative affect between weekdays versus weekend pointing to a weekend effect. Non-users show lower levels of negative affect over the weekend and higher levels of positive affect as compared to their user peers. No significant results were found between groups or days when considering the week as a whole. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of bringing about positive development trajectories and contribute to the development of healthier life-styles and preventive behaviours.