This study examined the immigrant paradox in drinking initiation among Latino youths and tested contextual (i.e., family, peer) and cognitive (i.e., alcohol expectancies, risk-taking) explanations of this pattern. A sample of 129 first- and second-generation (73%) youths completed the study. The estimated odds of starting to drink were 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–5.9) times higher for second-generation teens compared to first-generation youths. Negative expectancy valuations and perceptions of peer substance use simultaneously explained the generational increase in drinking initiation. Addressing these tractable mechanisms represents opportunities to delay initiation and help reduce emerging disparities among Latino youth. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Immigrant paradox alcohol expectancy valuations Latino youth drinking initiation alcohol expectancies perceptions of peer substance use Parental monitoring familismo

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