High Sensation Seeking and Alcohol‐Related Consequences: "Go‐Zone" Protective Behavioral Strategies for High School Seniors.

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 Practitioner Points: The current study used "go‐zone" methodology to examine the frequency of use and effectiveness of Protective Behavioral Strategies among high sensation‐seeking high school seniors reporting alcohol use in the past 30 days.Four Protective Behavioral Strategies were identified as "go‐zone" strategies (use a designated driver, make sure you go home with a friend, know where your drink has been at all times, and drink water while drinking alcohol).Protective Behavioral Strategies can be used by school personnel to help high sensation‐seeking students reduce the risk associated with alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]