High Sensation Seeking and Alcohol‐Related Consequences

“Go‐Zone” Protective Behavioral Strategies for High School Seniors

Bibliographic Data

ID21375652
AuthorsDiana M Doumas (0000-0002-0714-4723, Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction Boise State University Boise Idaho USA, corresponding author), Raissa Miller (0000-0002-7527-7245, Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction Boise State University Boise Idaho USA), Susan Esp (0009-0002-8045-1540, Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction Boise State University Boise Idaho USA)
Year2025
Volume62
Issue3
Pages889-898
Publication date2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePsychology in the Schools (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-3085 • E-ISSN: 1520-6807
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/pits.23362
OpenAlexW4404847750
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited54

Sensation seeking is a significant predictor of alcohol‐related consequences among high school students. High school seniors report the highest prevalence rates of alcohol use and binge drinking among students in high school. Among high sensation‐seeking students, higher rates of Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS) use are associated with fewer alcohol‐related consequences. To date, however, there is no research investigating which specific PBS are related to lower levels of alcohol‐related consequences in this high‐risk group of students. The current study examined the frequency of use and effectiveness of 20 PBS measured by the PBS Scale‐20 among high sensation‐seeking high school seniors ( N = 77). “Go‐zone” methodology was used to classify PBS items into one of four zones (i.e., used frequently, high effectiveness; used infrequently, high effectiveness; used frequently, low effectiveness; used infrequently; low effectiveness). Four PBS were identified as “go‐zone” strategies (e.g., used frequently; high effectiveness) and five strategies were identified as used infrequently but highly effective. Findings from the current study extend the literature on PBS use as a buffer against alcohol‐related consequences among high sensation‐seeking high school students. Implications for school mental health professionals are discussed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03613818

Behavioral analysis · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Personality · Sensation · Sensation Seeking · Adventure Sports and Sensation Seeking · Clinical Psychology · Outdoor and Experiential Education · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support

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