The interactive effects of perceived peer drinking and personality profiles on adolescent drinking: a prospective cohort study

Aims (1) To classify Australian adolescents according to their alcohol consumption trajectories; and (2) to assess the direct and interactive effects of perceived peer drinking (PPD) and personality on adolescent drinking. Design Prospective cohort study comprising secondary analysis of six waves of prospective data (collected between 2014 and 2016) from the control arm of the Climate Schools Combined Study. Setting Nineteen schools across three Australian states. Participants A total of 1492 socio‐demographically diverse students (mean age at baseline: 13.47; 68% female; 82% born in Australia). Measurements Alcohol consumption trajectories were assessed using self‐reported sipping of alcohol, full standard drink consumption, binge drinking and quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. One item assessed PPD and personality was assessed using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale. Findings Eight hundred and sixty‐four (58%) adolescents consumed alcohol across the study period. Four drinking trajectories were identified: abstaining (n = 513; reference group); onset (n = 361; initiated after baseline); persistent (n = 531; initiated prior to baseline); and decreasing (n = 50; consumed alcohol at baseline but ceased or decreased thereafter). A significant PPD × anxiety sensitivity (AS) interaction affected probability of belonging to the onset (P