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.