Acculturation and perceived discrimination: Predictors of substance use trajectories from adolescence to emerging adulthood among Hispanics

Abstract

Purpose Previous studies have documented associations between cultural factors and substance use among Hispanic adolescents. Negative cultural experiences such as discrimination have been associated with an increased risk of substance use among Hispanic adolescents, whereas positive cultural resources, such as maintenance of Hispanic cultural orientations, have shown protective effects. However, few studies have examined the continuing influence of cultural factors on substance use from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Methods We surveyed a cohort of Hispanic adolescents in Southern California in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, and 3–4 years after high school. Growth curve analyses were conducted to examine the effects of U.S. acculturation, Hispanic acculturation, ethnic identity, and perceived discrimination on change in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use over time. Results Higher perceived discrimination at baseline was significantly associated with a higher intercept (initial level) of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Higher initial level of Hispanic acculturation was significantly associated with a lower slope of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Conclusions Cultural phenomena such as acculturation and perceived discrimination can continue to affect substance use through the transition to emerging adulthood. Health education interventions are needed to help Hispanics navigate this developmental transition without engaging in substance use.

Longitudinal Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization in Latino Emerging Adults

“…This gap is critical because emerging adulthood is an important developmental period when romantic relationships are taking shape and interpersonal patterns are forming (Arnett 2000;Shulman and Connolly 2013;Zarrett and Eccles 2006). Intimate partner violence is known to peak in emerging adulthood, yet this phenomenon during an important developmental period remains largely understudied and warrants more research (Capaldi and Kim 2007;Johnson et al 2015;O'Leary 1999;Unger et al 2014). Our research addresses a gap in previous studies by providing a better understanding of the associations of acculturation, traditional gender role attitudes, substance use, and depressive symptoms in adolescence with both intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization in emerging adulthood among Latinos.…”

Stress and Multiple Substance Use Behaviors Among Hispanic Adolescents

“…There is a growing body of research focused on identifying cultural and minority stressors and their association with mental health and substance abuse outcomes among Hispanic youth (Cervantes et al 2012; Prado et al 2009, 2013; Schwartz et al 2013; Unger et al 2014). Youth who report higher stress are significantly more likely to report internalizing and externalizing behaviors (Cervantes et al 2015), including suicidal ideation (Cervantes et al 2014).…”

“…Similarly, discrimination, negative experiences in the USA post-immigration, and bicultural stress among Hispanic immigrant youth have been associated with lower self-esteem and increased depressive symptoms, aggressive behavior, and rule breaking (Schwartz et al 2013). Higher levels of discrimination among high school youth was associated with higher cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use in young adulthood, although Hispanic background was a protective factor for the use of these three substances (Unger et al 2014). …”

Perceived discrimination, cultural identity development, and intimate partner violence among a sample of Hispanic young adults.

“…Although perceived discrimination has consistently been associated with higher levels of depressive symptomology and risky health behaviors (Lorenzo-Blanco, 2011; Seaton, 2013; Umana-Taylor, 2015; Unger 2014), to fully understand the effects of perceived discrimination on IPV behaviors requires further replication among diverse samples and across sex. To date, higher perceptions of discrimination have been associated with both victimization and perpetration among young Latina women (Stueve & ODonnell, 2008) and victimization among Hispanic girls, but not among boys (Sanderson et al, 2004).…”