Typologies of Alcohol Use in White and African American Adolescent Girls

This study examined typologies of alcohol use among 2,948 White and African American adolescent girls using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Self-report data were collected on frequency and quantity of alcohol use, negative consequences, and high-risk drinking behaviors, as well as co-occurring internalizing and externalizing problems. Latent class analysis revealed a four-group typology for White girls and a three-group typology for African American girls. Problematic drinkers reported having more internalizing and externalizing problems in both racial groups. The study's limitations and implications are discussed.