The developmental psychopathology of alcohol use and alcohol disorders: Research achievements and future directions

Laurie Chassin, Kenneth J. Sher, Andrea Hussong, Patrick Curran

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

109 Scopus citations

Abstract

The last 25 years have seen significant advances in our conceptualization of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders within a developmental framework, along with advances in our empirical understanding that have been potentiated by advances in quantitative methods. These include advances in understanding the heterogeneity of trajectories of alcohol outcomes; new insights about early childhood antecedents, and adolescence and emerging adulthood as important developmental periods for alcohol outcomes; a more nuanced understanding of the influences of developmental transitions, and their timing and contexts; a greater appreciation for the importance of considering multiple levels of analysis (including an increasing number of genetically informative studies); a continuing focus on studying multiple pathways underlying alcohol outcomes; and an increasing focus on studying the effects of alcohol exposure on future development. The current paper reviews these advances and suggests directions for future study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1567-1584
Number of pages18
JournalDevelopment and psychopathology
Volume25
Issue number4 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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