Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume 125, Issue SUPPL.1, 2012, Pages S26-S34

Substance use and sexual behavior among recent Hispanic immigrant adolescents: Effects of parent-adolescent differential acculturation and communication (Article)

Schwartz S.J.* , Unger J.B. , Rosiers S.E.D. , Huang S. , Baezconde-Garbanati L. , Lorenzo-Blanco E.I. , Villamar J.A. , Soto D.W. , Pattarroyo M. , Szapocznik J.
  • a University of Miami, United States
  • b University of Southern California, United States
  • c University of Miami, United States
  • d University of Miami, United States
  • e University of Southern California, United States
  • f University of Michigan, United States
  • g University of Miami, United States
  • h University of Southern California, United States
  • i University of Southern California, United States
  • j University of Miami, United States

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the effects of parent-adolescent acculturation gaps, perceived discrimination, and perceived negative context of reception on adolescent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, sexual activity, and sexual risk taking. We used an expanded, multidimensional model of acculturation. Method: A sample of 302 recently immigrated parent-adolescent dyads (152 from Miami and 150 from Los Angeles) completed measures of acculturation (Hispanic and American practices and identifications, and individualist and collectivist values) and parent-adolescent communication. Adolescents completed measures of recent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, sexual behavior, and sexual risk taking. Results: Parent-adolescent gaps in American practices and ethnic identity, and perceptions of a negative context of reception, predicted compromised parent-adolescent communication. In Miami only, adolescent-reported communication negatively predicted odds of cigarette smoking, occasions of drunkenness, and number of sexual partners. Also in Miami only, parent-reported communication positively predicted these outcomes, as well as occasions of adolescent binge drinking, drunkenness, number of sexual partners, and odds of unprotected sex. The only significant findings in Los Angeles were protective effects of parent-reported communication on frequency of alcohol use and of binge drinking. Mediational effects emerged only in the Miami sample. Conclusions: Effects of parent-adolescent acculturation gaps vary across Hispanic groups and receiving contexts. The especially strong parental control in many Mexican families may account for these differences. However, other important differences between Hispanic subgroups and communities of reception could also account for these differences. Prevention efforts might encourage Hispanic youth both to retain their culture of origin and to acquire American culture. © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Author Keywords

Hispanic discrimination Alcohol use Recent immigrants Acculturation

Index Keywords

immigrant longitudinal study sexual behavior drinking behavior Communication alcohol consumption interpersonal communication human Longitudinal Studies middle aged controlled study adolescent smoking Substance-Related Disorders priority journal drug dependence Hispanic Americans Unsafe Sex United States Young Adult Humans ethnic difference Hispanic Adolescent Treatment Outcome male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation drunkenness female cultural factor Parent-Child Relations Article high risk behavior Adolescent Behavior adult social discrimination parental attitude child parent relation
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84865547950&doi=10.1016%2fj.drugalcdep.2012.05.020&partnerID=40&md5=075950b9e3f3ec8c7bd4b87008f99b84
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.05.020
ISSN: 03768716
Cited by: 51
Original Language: English