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Cultural Influences on Substance Use Among Hispanic Adolescents and Young Adults: Findings From Project RED
Author(s) -
Unger Jennifer B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
child development perspectives
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1750-8606
pISSN - 1750-8592
DOI - 10.1111/cdep.12060
Subject(s) - acculturation , psychology , ethnic group , stressor , substance use , developmental psychology , psychological intervention , population , clinical psychology , perception , psychiatry , medicine , environmental health , neuroscience , sociology , anthropology
H ispanic adolescents represent a growing segment of the U.S. population. In addition to the typical stressors encountered during adolescence, H ispanic adolescents may experience acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, and conflicts with parents about acculturation, which can lead to maladaptive behaviors such as substance use. Personal cultural resources may help H ispanic youth cope with cultural stressors and avoid substance use, but little is known about how such factors affect decisions about substance use. In 2005, my research group began studying a group of H ispanic adolescents in L os A ngeles. The participants completed surveys annually about cultural issues such as acculturation, ethnic identity, and perceived discrimination; family and peer relationships; and use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. We found that H ispanic adolescents' perceptions that they were discriminated against put them at greater risk for substance use, and that H ispanic orientation protected the youth from substance use. The findings can inform the development of culturally relevant prevention interventions for H ispanic adolescents and emerging adults.