A METAANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE LONGITUDINAL-STUDIES FROM THE COLLABORATIVE ALCOHOL-RELATED LONGITUDINAL PROJECT

The authors used individual and group-level variables within age and sex to predict drinking patterns over time among individuals. Eight longitudinal samples of persons age 21-30 years were analyzed separately. Drinking patterns at final measurement were regressed simultaneously on both individual and group-level variables. The first model tested for marital and drinking status along with group-level mean change in drinking The second model tested for marital and drinking status along with group-percent married. The third model tested for marital and drinking status along with percent newly married. Using meta-analysis, the authors demonstrated significant and homogeneous effects for the three models tested and for group-level mean differences in the first model.