Which trait is commonly seen in youths who start drinking before age 12?

Which trait is commonly seen in youths who start drinking before age 12?

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

Answer: (B)

Starting to drink before age 12 is commonly linked to externalizing behavior patterns, especially aggression. Early alcohol use often co-occurs with impulsivity, risk-taking, and conduct problems, so aggression can appear as part of that wider pattern of acting out or challenging rules. In contrast, calmness and shyness reflect more internalized social or emotional states that aren’t typically associated with early initiation into drinking, and empathy is a prosocial trait that doesn’t align with the behavioral profile usually seen in youths who start drinking so young.

Starting to drink before age 12 is commonly linked to externalizing behavior patterns, especially aggression. Early alcohol use often co-occurs with impulsivity, risk-taking, and conduct problems, so aggression can appear as part of that wider pattern of acting out or challenging rules. In contrast, calmness and shyness reflect more internalized social or emotional states that aren’t typically associated with early initiation into drinking, and empathy is a prosocial trait that doesn’t align with the behavioral profile usually seen in youths who start drinking so young.