Protective Behavioral Strategies for Alcohol-Related Consequences: Identifying “Go-Zone” Strategies for Adolescent Females

Underage drinking represents a significant public health concern in the United States. Although high school drinking has declined in the past decade, female student alcohol use has decreased more slowly, leading to higher rates of female student alcohol use and binge drinking relative to males. Researchers have identified protective behavioral strategies (PBS) as one way to minimize the risk associated with alcohol use among this age group. To date, however, there is no research investigating which specific PBS are used most frequently and associated with lower levels of alcohol-related consequences among female high school students. The current study extends the literature by examining the frequency of use and effectiveness (i.e., association between PBS use and fewer alcohol-related consequences) of 20 PBS measured by the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale-20 among female high school seniors (N = 90). “Go-zone” methodology was used to classify PBS items into one of four zones (i.e., high frequency, high effectiveness; low frequency, high effectiveness; high frequency, low effectiveness; low frequency; low effectiveness). Six PBS were identified as “go-zone” strategies (e.g., high frequency; high effectiveness): using a designated driver, refusing to ride in a car with someone who has been drinking, only drinking with people you know and trust, knowing where your drink has been at all times, alternative alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and drink water while drinking alcohol. Results of this study add to the literature on the use of PBS as a buffer against alcohol-related consequences among female high students.