Figure 1 presents the hypothesized model, which is based on a Social Information Processing Model (e.g., Dodge et al., 2003). As explained in more detail elsewhere (Schuckit et al., 2004), the model focuses on how alcohol-related experiences are processed by an individual regarding their vulnerability to peer pressure, especially in adolescence and young adulthood; how a low LR and heavier peer drinking are likely to create an expectancy that heavy drinking is normal and desirable; and how a low LR, observation of the acute effects of alcohol in peers, and expectancies of the benefits of heavy drinking encourage using alcohol to deal with life stresses.
