In conclusion, the results of the current analyses suggest that both normative and individual changes in alcohol involvement occur between the ages of 18 and 35, and that changes are associated with changes in the personality constructs of impulsivity and neuroticism. Consistent with research supporting the ideas of maturing out and the maturity principle from the respective extant alcohol and personality literatures, these analyses suggest that marital and/or parental status influences changes in neuroticism and problematic alcohol involvement. However, marital and/or parental status does not appear to be sufficient third-variable explanation of the correlated change between problematic alcohol involvement and personality. These findings suggest that the respective changes in personality and problematic alcohol involvement should be considered from a developmental framework in which changes in these constructs are viewed in the context of each other. Furthermore, future research should examine both genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the correlated change between problematic alcohol involvement and personality.
