Discrimination and Ethnic Identity as Predictors of Substance Use and Delinquency Among Immigrant Adolescents From the FSU and Ethiopia in Israel

Abstract

The current study explores perceived discrimination and ethnic identity as predictors of delinquency and substance use among adolescent immigrants in Israel. Theoretically, the study draws from strain theory, immigration-related theories of ethnic identity formation in adolescence, bi-dimensional theories of acculturation, and the rejection-identification model. The study involved 250 adolescents, 140 from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and 110 from Ethiopia, aged 15 to 18 years (M = 16.7 years). Adolescents were assessed on substance use (cigarettes, marijuana, binge drinking, drunkenness), delinquent behavior, parental relationships (support, limit setting), perceived discrimination, host identity (Jewish Israeli), and ethnic identity (Russian/Ethiopian). Results from structural equation modeling showed that delinquency was predicted directly by greater discrimination, a weaker ethnic (Russian/Ethiopian) identity, and greater substance (alcohol and cigarette) use. Higher levels of parental limit setting and lower levels of parental support predicted higher levels of substance use, but only predicted delinquency indirectly through their impact on substance use. Findings support the hypotheses that perceived discrimination and a weaker ethnic identity predict involvement in delinquency and partially support a hypothesis that higher levels of a positive host identity are related to lower levels of substance use and delinquency among immigrant adolescents. A perceived lack of equal opportunities may lead to stress, anger, and frustration toward society leading to delinquent behavior, whereas difficulties in consolidating a positive cultural identity may lead the young adolescent to fill a void through substance use.

The impact of adolescents' racial and ethnic self-identity on hope

“…In New Zealand, a study found that discrimination was associated with risky behaviors, and poorer health and health outcomes (Harris et al, ). Several studies on immigrant youth report discrimination from peers and teachers at school (Walsh, Fogel‐Grinvald, & Shneider, ; Zlotnick, Goldblatt, Shadmi, Birenbaum‐Carmeli, & Taychaw, ), at community organizations, and at health care sites (Zlotnick et al, ). Increasingly, however, evidence demonstrates that the effects of racism extend beyond school and neighborhood boundaries (Astell‐Burt, Maynard, Lenguerrand, & Harding, ).…”

“…Also, recent statistics show that Ethiopian immigrants comprise about 1% of the total Israeli population, while Russian‐speaking immigrants comprise almost 15% (CBS‐Central Bureau of Statistics‐Israel, ). Existing studies suggest that both Russian and Ethiopian youth in Israel have experienced racism and suffered from discrimination in school and in Israeli society (Walsh et al, ; Zlotnick et al, ).…”

Reducing Recidivism With the Chances Program: Immigrant Juvenile Delinquents in Israel

“…Sellin's (1938) theory on culture, conflict, and crime led the way to much documentation on the connection between immigration and crime. This theory has been presented repeatedly over the years, mainly concerning second-generation youth, and especially in the wake of globalization (Anisef and Kilbride 2003;Freilich et al 2002;Marshall 1997;Schwartz et al 2015;Sellin 1938;Tonry 1997;Walsh, Fogel-Grinvald, and Schneider 2015).…”

“…Among some immigrant youth, these problems and difficulties express themselves in juvenile delinquency (Anisef and Kilbride 2003;Freilich et al 2002;Marshall 1997;Sellin 1938;Tonry 1997;Walsh et al 2015). Although this paper deals with immigrant youth, we should keep in mind that they are only a small percentage of all delinquent youth.…”

“…There is also the presence of what has been called dual socialization, according to which children learn the norms of two opposing cultures (Rendon, Romero, and Amaury 2000;Wakil, Siddique, and Wakil 1981). The learning and social difficulties experienced by immigrant youth in school have been found to lead to school dropout, association with other youth in the same situation, and the learning of anti-social behaviors (Anisef and Kilbride 2003;Edelstein 2000;Freilich et al 2002;Marshall 1997;Sellin 1938;Tonry 1997;Walsh et al 2015). In addition, immigrant youth have been found to suffer from problems of low self-image.…”