Which personality trait is common among youths who begin drinking before age 12?

Which personality trait is common among youths who begin drinking before age 12?

• A. Calmness
• B. Aggression
• C. Shyness
• D. Empathy

Answer: (B)

Starting to drink before age 12 is most strongly linked to externalizing behavior, especially aggression. Youths who initiate alcohol use early tend to show impulsivity, rule-breaking, and confrontational actions. These patterns reflect a tendency to act out and take risks, which aligns with choosing to experiment with alcohol at a younger age. The other traits—calmness, shyness, and empathy—are not typically associated with early drinking and can even be protective or unrelated to early initiation.

Starting to drink before age 12 is most strongly linked to externalizing behavior, especially aggression. Youths who initiate alcohol use early tend to show impulsivity, rule-breaking, and confrontational actions. These patterns reflect a tendency to act out and take risks, which aligns with choosing to experiment with alcohol at a younger age. The other traits—calmness, shyness, and empathy—are not typically associated with early drinking and can even be protective or unrelated to early initiation.