Acculturation, gender, depression, and cigarette smoking among U.S. Hispanic youth: the mediating role of perceived discrimination

Acculturation and daily cigarette use among Mexican-origin youth: The moderating role of executive functions

INTRODUCTION

Acculturation and enculturation have been conceptualized, respectively, as risk and protective factors for cigarette use. Although acculturation/enculturation orientations are often studied as stable characteristics, they represent a dynamic process influenced by individuals' social environments and can fluctuate across time. Therefore, investigating how youth actively navigate their acculturation and enculturation beliefs and behaviors on a day-to-day basis can advance scientific understanding of factors related to cigarette use. Executive functions, including inhibitory control, shifting, and working memory, are robust predictors of smoking (e.g., cigarette use). However, we know little about the protective role of executive functions on the daily level associations between acculturation/enculturation and cigarette use among Mexican-origin youth.

OBJECTIVES

In a low-income Mexican-origin youth sample (M = 16.94, SD = 1.01; 52 % female), this study examined within-person associations between daily acculturation/enculturation and daily cigarette use and the moderating role of individual-level executive functions.

METHOD

We captured the daily fluctuations of acculturation/enculturation and smoking by utilizing data from a 4-day daily diary. The study assessed inhibitory control, shifting, and working memory using behavioral paradigms.

RESULTS

A multilevel logistic moderation model revealed statistically significant interactions between acculturation (but not enculturation) and all executive function skills predicting cigarette use. Higher daily acculturation levels were related to greater odds of daily cigarette use only for youth with lower levels of executive function skills.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving executive functions may protect Mexican-origin youth from the possible adverse effect of acculturation on cigarette use.

Perceived stress among Hispanic young adults: Impact of the coping with work and family stress program

Objective: To examine the effect of an evidence-based curriculum on stress perceptions across time. Participants: Hispanic college students from a Hispanic-serving institution in a U.S. southern border city. Methods: A permuted block design with repeated measures was used. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The treatment group received the Coping with Work and Family Stress (CWFS) evidence-based curriculum while the control group did not receive any programming. Data were collected from both the groups at baseline, exit, and at 3-month follow-up. Results: Stress reduction was observed among program participants however an unintended negative consequence of the intervention was found among those who experience intimate partner violence. Conclusion: The CWFS evidence-based intervention may be appropriate to use in reducing general types of stress but perhaps not stress resulting from intimate partner violence.

Trajectories of Drug Use and Depressive Symptoms among Latinx Youth and Sexual Minority Youth

Drug use and depression co-occur and disproportionately affect Latinx sexual minority youth relative to their heterosexual Latinx peers. However, heterogeneity in co-occurring patterns of drug use and depressive symptoms is unknown. The objective of the current study was to identify patterns of drug use and depressive symptom trajectories and examine how these patterns varied between Latinx sexual minority youth and Latinx non-sexual minority youth. Latent class trajectory analysis identified distinct patterns of drug use and depressive symptom trajectories among 231 Latinx adolescents (Latinx sexual minority youth: n = 46, 21.4%; Latinx non-sexual minority youth: n = 169, 78.6%). After identifying class mean trajectories, we examined differences in mean trajectories across groups. A 3-class model was selected as the optimal class trajectory model for both groups, yet classes and trajectories differed. There were differences in initial levels of depression and drug use trajectories between both groups, as well as differences in patterns of drug use trajectories between both groups in two of the three classes. Given the variation in trajectory patterns, there is a need for practitioners to consider the unique needs of both groups to inform the development of preventive interventions for these two populations.

The Measurement of Acculturation in Neuropsychological Evaluations of Hispanic/Latino Individuals across the Lifespan: A Scoping Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Acculturation has been linked to health outcomes in Hispanics/Latinos (H/Ls). However, there is equivocal evidence of a relationship between acculturation and neuropsychological outcomes. Various factors limit the ability to subject the evidence to systematic/meta-analytic review. We sought to examine the current state of the literature in the context of H/Ls and neuropsychology and describe the various limitations of measuring acculturation across the lifespan.

METHOD

Applying a scoping review approach, we identified unique stand-alone (e.g., questionnaires) measures of acculturation. We focused on psychometric (e.g., internal consistency) and other characteristics (e.g., language, structure/format) and description of the validation samples (e.g., cultural background/country of origin).

RESULTS

A total of 40 unique acculturation measures were identified. Measures spanned various domains (e.g., language proficiency, food preference, music choice), and relied heavily on linguistic behavioral characteristics. Internal consistency varied from unacceptable to clinically acceptable ranges. Variable approaches to development and validation were reported. Validation samples varied from 22 to 2,048 respondents (median = 380), most of which represented a general adult population. Only eight measures were validated for use in pediatric populations; none were developed specifically for use with older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Published measures are outdated, evidence highly variable psychometric and methodological weaknesses, and lack a lifespan perspective. Several themes in the types of items considered elemental to the acculturative process are revealed and findings are summarized via an "ABC" framework, categorizing items as antecedents, behaviors, and consequent acculturative changes, that lends itself to clinical and research settings.

Trajectories of depression for Latino immigrant adolescents: The influence of individual, family, and sociocultural factors

Latino immigrant adolescents represent a high-risk group for developing depression. Such risk for depression becomes more salient in emerging destination contexts (e.g., Oregon) where immigrant youth face considerably more stressors compared to traditional contexts (e.g., Texas, New York, and California). However, no study to date has considered how depression unfolds over time among Latino immigrant youth in emerging contexts. Using data from a three-wave prospective longitudinal design across 3 years, we employed latent growth curve (LGC) modeling to assess depression trajectories among 217 Latino immigrant families in the emerging context of western Oregon. Moreover, we assessed the influence of salient predictors on these trajectories across individual (gender and time in U.S. residency), family (family cultural stress, effective parenting practices, parent depression), and sociocultural (ethnic discrimination) levels. Results from LGC revealed that youth, on average, followed a decreasing trajectory of depression. Furthermore, identifying as female and higher levels of parent depression significantly predicted higher baseline levels of youth depression. No significant predictors emerged for the slope. However, follow-up analyses from multiple-group LGCs found that, whereas males were stable in their trajectories, females exhibited significantly more variability in their initial levels of depression and slopes over time. Moreover, when considered separately, predictors were significant only for females such that parent depression predicted higher baseline depression scores, and family cultural stress predicted a more slowly decreasing slope. Results suggest that Latina immigrant females are more variable in their depression patterns than males and may be more sensitive to family-related stressors that contribute to depression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of anxiety and depression on academic achievement among underserved school children: evidence of suppressor effects

Anxiety and depression symptoms may leave children at risk for lower academic scores, though this unique linkage to academic achievement in underserved youth is less well established. This study aimed to examine how anxiety and depression are uniquely related to spelling and math achievement beyond attention and hyperactivity deficits in children in underserved schools. Children aged 8 to 11 (n = 1085, 47.3% female) from historically underserved groups (Hispanic 75.3%, American Indian 6.4%, Black 4.9%, and White 1.5%) from 13 schools across two public school districts in California participated in the assessment of emotional and behavioral health symptoms that included a spelling and math assessment. While there was no relationship between anxiety or hyperactivity on spelling and math scores, depression and attention problems were significantly negatively related to spelling and math scores. However, when entered simultaneously, evidence of suppressor effects emerged. Anxiety and hyperactivity both became positively predictive of math. Similarly, anxiety became positively predictive of spelling. Subsample analyses showed that these suppressor effects were only in females. The associations among anxiety, depression, attention, and hyperactivity with spelling and math achievement are complex, and when controlling for depression and attention, anxiety levels and hyperactivity may be motivating some level of achievement in these areas.

Generation 1.5: Years in the United States and Other Factors Affecting Smoking Behaviors Among Asian Americans

Introduction

Generation 1.5, immigrants who moved to a different country before adulthood, are hypothesized to have unique cognitive and behavioral patterns. We examined the possible differences in cigarette smoking between Asian subpopulations who arrived in the United States at different life stages.

Methods

Using the Asian subsample of the 2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey, we tested this Generation 1.5 hypothesis with their smoking behavior. This dataset was chosen because its large sample size allowed for a national-level analysis of the Asian subsamples by sex, while other national datasets might not have adequate sample sizes for analysis of these subpopulations. The outcome variable was defined as whether the survey respondent had ever smoked 100 cigarettes or more, with the key independent variable operationalized as whether the respondent was: 1) born in the United States; 2) entered the United States before 12; 3) entered between 12 and 19; and 4) entered after 19. Logistic regressions were run to examine the associations with covariates including the respondent's age, educational attainment, and household income.

Results

Asian men who entered before 12 were less likely to have ever smoked 100 cigarettes than those who immigrated after 19; for Asian women, three groups (born in the United States, entered before 12, entered between 12 and 19) were more likely to have smoked 100 cigarettes than those who immigrated after 19.

Conclusions

While Asian men who came to the United States before 12 were less at risk for cigarette smoking than those who immigrated in adulthood, the pattern was the opposite among Asian women. Those who spent their childhood in the United States were more likely to smoke than those who came to the United States in adulthood. These patterns might result from the cultural differences between US and Asian countries, and bear policy relevance for the tobacco control efforts among Asian Americans.

Discrimination experiences, resilience, and cardiovascular disease risk factors among sexual minority women

Resilience, or the process of adapting to adversity, may protect against the harmful effects of minority-related stressors on the cardiovascular health of sexual minority women (SMW). An online survey was conducted in a sample of cisgender, non-heterosexual women to evaluate resilience as a moderator of the association between discrimination experiences and key cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors: stress, tobacco-smoking, hazardous alcohol consumption, poor diet quality, physical inactivity, and sedentary behaviors. Overall, 191 women (mean age = 29.34, SD = 6.92; 84.5% White) completed the survey and met eligibility to be included in the data analysis. White race (b = - 6.71, SE = 2.49) and education (b = - 3.36, SE = 0.56) were each independently associated with fewer discrimination experiences. Latinx ethnicity was associated with more discrimination experiences (b = 9.34, SE = 2.61). Education was associated with greater resilience (b = 4.57, SE = 0.83). Multivariable regression models were adjusted for race, ethnicity, and education. Discrimination was associated with a higher likelihood of smoking in the past month (b = 0.04, SE = 0.02) and drinking at hazardous levels (b = 0.09, SE = 0.02). Resilience was associated with less stress (b =  - 0.15, SE = 0.02), a lower likelihood of hazardous alcohol consumption (b =  - 0.02, SE = 0.01) and less time spent engaging in sedentary behaviors (b =  - 0.02, SE = 0.01). One moderation emerged, such that discrimination was negatively associated with stress for those low in resilience (b =  - 1.75, SE = 0.58), and not associated with stress for those high in resilience. These findings may inform the development of CVD-risk reduction interventions for SMW, which could include both strategies to mitigate the effects of discrimination on substance use and coping skills to promote resilience.

Acculturation and Depressive Symptoms Among Dominicans in New York City

Little is known about the association between acculturation and mental health among Dominican populations in the United States. Data came from a community survey of Dominican residents of New York City (n = 2744). Associations between two indicators of acculturation, proportion of life spent in the U.S. and interview language (English/Spanish), with lifetime depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 5) were examined using logistic regression overall and by gender. In adjusted models, respondents with English-language interview and above-median proportion of life spent in the U.S. had 77% higher odds (95% CI 1.28, 2.44) of lifetime depressive symptoms than those with Spanish-language interview and below-median proportion of life spent in the U.S. There was some evidence of elevated odds of depressive symptoms among men with English-language interview and below-median proportion of life spent in the U.S. Additional research is needed to elucidate gender-specific impacts of acculturation on mental health in this population.

Promoting Strong Latino Families Within an Emerging Immigration Context: Results of a Replication and Extension Trial of a Culturally Adapted Preventive Intervention

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Nuestras Familias: Andando Entre Culturas, a culturally adapted evidence-based parent management training (PMT) preventive intervention, with a sample of 241 Spanish-speaking Latino parents and their middle-school-aged children residing in an emerging immigration context. Scientifically rigorous studies of programs designed for this setting are rare. The intervention was designed to promote prosocial parenting practices and to prevent youth substance use and related problem behaviors. The RCT was designed as an extension and replication of a prior trial (Martinez & Eddy in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 841-851, 2005) which was also conducted in an emerging immigration context. Two key issues were of primary interest: intervention feasibility and intervention efficacy. Intervention feasibility was assessed through weekly session attendance, participation, and parent-reported session satisfaction as well as overall program satisfaction. Intervention efficacy was assessed by comparing changes within the intervention and control groups on parenting practices and youth adjustment from pre-intervention baseline to post-intervention termination 6 months later. Results provided support for the feasibility of delivering the intervention on a large scale within communities. Consistent with the prior trial, positive effects of the intervention were detected on parenting practices and on youth outcomes. Differential effects of the intervention were detected based on youth gender and nativity status, such that girls benefited the most with respect to tobacco use likelihood, and foreign-born youth benefited the most with respect to decreased depressive symptoms.Findings provide additional evidence for Nuestras Familias as an efficacious family-based intervention for Latino families within communities that are sites of emerging immigration in terms of both improving parenting practices and decreasing risk for youth substance use and related problem behaviors.

Differences in electronic cigarette use among adolescents in Korea: A nationwide analysis

INTRODUCTION

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has increased among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between e-cigarette use and different sociodemographic factors among Korean adolescents.

METHODS

The study used the 2017 to 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) data. The study measured sociodemographic status based on living arrangement, economic status, and parental birthplace. We used a Chi-square test to investigate the general characteristics of the study population. We applied multiple logistic regression analysis to analyze the association between e-cigarette use and sociodemographic status. Model 1 included electronic cigarettes only as the outcome variable and model 2 included electronic cigarettes plus combustible cigarettes. The study expressed results as odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

A total of 2.4% of adolescents used e-cigarettes only and 6.5% e-cigarettes and/or conventional cigarettes. In e-cigarettes users (model 1), compared to individuals living with their parents, those living with their relatives (OR 3.23, 95% CI 2.45-4.24) and in protective facilities (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.98-6.39) were more likely to smoke. The "middle" showed lower odds than the "low" economic status group (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.87). Adolescents with both parents born abroad (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.78-4.82) also had a higher likelihood of smoking than those with both native Korean parents. The study found similar trends in model 2, which accounted for both electronic and combustible cigarettes.

CONCLUSION

E-cigarette use among adolescents was associated with living arrangement, economic status, and parental birthplace. E-cigarettes use among adolescents should be monitored, particularly in the vulnerable groups of adolescents that this study identified.

The Effect of Stress, Acculturation, and Heritage Identity on Depression in Arab Americans

Introduction: Arab Americans are significantly affected by depression with prevalence as high as 50%. Our study assesses whether unique causes of depression such as stress, acculturation, and heritage identity play a role in the high prevalence of depression in Arab Americans.

Methods: We surveyed 142 self-identified Arab Americans using a convenience model. Participants answered questions about their level of perceived stress, everyday discrimination, and acculturative stress. They also answered questions regarding their level of acculturation and heritage identity. Finally, participants answered questions regarding their depressive symptoms. A score of 16+ on the depression scale was used as the cut-off for depression.

Results: The prevalence of depression in our sample was 60%. In our logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, BMI and education, we found that perceived stress (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.10, 1.33, p < 0.01) and acculturative stress (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.05, p < 0.05) were associated with greater odds of having depression in Arab Americans. We did not find that everyday discrimination, acculturation, or heritage identity were associated with depression in Arab Americans (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Our study shows that perceived stress and acculturative stress increase the odds of depression in Arab Americans and therefore may play a role in the high prevalence of depression in this population. We hope our findings inform clinicians on the important underlying causes that may be causing depression in their Arab American patients.

"I Don't Have Time to Be Sad": Experiences and Perceptions of Sadness among Latina Mothers

Maternal depression affects 10 percent to 17 percent of mothers in the United States. Women of color, particularly Latina women, may be at an elevated risk for adverse consequences of maternal depression. However, scant research addresses cultural experiences and perceptions of maternal depressive feelings. This study included interviews with 30 Latina immigrant mothers who were living in rural or small towns in the Midwest. Data were analyzed in Spanish using a thematic network approach. Authors identified three themes in relation to the experiences that Latina immigrant mothers described around sadness and depressive feelings: (1) normalization of feelings of sadness, (2) lack of social support that exacerbates feelings of isolation and sadness, and (3) traditional gender roles that compromise disclosure of feelings. The results from this study indicate that it is critical to increase support, provide culturally grounded discussions around mental health among Latina immigrant women, and continue these conversations beyond the perinatal period.

Association between Perceived Discrimination and Vaping among College Students

Perceived discrimination has been associated with a higher prevalence of e-cigarette use among adult samples. However, little is understood about the relationship between discrimination and various vaping behaviors among college students. Methods: College students completed an online survey about e-cigarette use (N = 488; 73.2% women; 52.7% White, 30.5% Black/African American, 6.1% Asian, 5.3% other races, 3.9% Multiracial). Participants completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale and identified which of their identities discrimination was most directed toward. Regressions, controlling for significant covariates of outcomes, examined discrimination in relation to e-cigarette ever use, current use, and frequency of use. Results: A higher discrimination score predicted greater odds of ever vaping compared with never use (OR = 1.21, p=.03). Controlling for race (p=.003), greater discrimination was related to increased likelihood of established vaping (100+ times) versus lighter levels of use (AOR = 1.22, p=.04). Discrimination was not associated with likelihood of current vaping (p>.05). Among e-cigarette users, greater perceived discrimination was related to an increased time spent vaping per day (β =1.69, SE = 0.204, p=.05). Conclusions/Importance: Greater perceived discrimination was associated with more frequent vaping among college students. Current results extend previous findings by suggesting that among college e-cigarette users, those who experience discrimination are more likely to use these products frequently rather than experimentally. Findings can inform the identification and development of resources for students experiencing discrimination to prevent the uptake of e-cigarette use.

Acculturation and ethnic group differences in well-being among Somali, Latino, and Hmong adolescents

Research addressing the linkages between acculturation and markers of adolescent well-being across multiple ethnic minority groups is limited in scope and breadth, even though children of immigrant origin are the fastest growing population. We examined cross-sectional relationships between acculturation and substance use, socioemotional well-being, and academic achievement. Somali, Latino, and Hmong adolescents in Minnesota provided data as part of the EAT 2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens) cohort study (N = 1,066). Acculturation was based on nativity, language usually spoken at home, and length of residence in the United States. Chi-square, ANOVA, and regression models were used to test for differences in adolescent well-being by acculturation and ethnic group, and interaction terms were added to models to test effect modification by ethnicity. Hmong adolescents had the highest mean acculturation scores (4.4 ± 1.5), whereas Somali adolescents (2.2 ± 1.8) were the least acculturated. Independent of ethnicity, acculturation was positively associated with marijuana (OR: 1.38; CI [1.25, 1.53]) and alcohol use (OR: 1.12; CI [1.02, 1.22]), and was negatively associated with academic achievement, based on grade point average (β = -0.07; CI [-0.12, -0.03]). Interaction effects indicated significant differences by ethnicity only for academic achievement; significant associations between acculturation and academic achievement were evident only for Somali and Latino youth. Prevention programming should include supports for multilingual and multicultural learners and account for cultural assets within immigrant origin families that maintain and nurture protective factors as adolescents acculturate and transition into young adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

The Association Between Social Support and Psychological Distress in Latina Mothers Living in Miami-Dade County, Florida

BACKGROUND

This study analysed the relationship between social support and psychological distress in Latina women in Miami-Dade County. Acculturation was examined as a modifying factor.

METHODS

A 2005 data set from interviews of 155 Latina mothers in Miami-Dade County, from mother-daughter dyads, was analysed. Social support was measured using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) score. Psychological distress was based on self-reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Acculturation was based on English proficiency and length of U.S. residency.

RESULTS

Compared to those with high social support, women with low social support had greater odds of reporting psychological distress (odds ratio = 7.8 [95% CI 2.70-22.10]). Acculturation did not modify the association (p=0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Social support was inversely associated with psychological distress among Latina women. Acculturation was not an effect modifier, likely due to inadequate power. The study has clinical implications for mental illness prevention in this population.

Internalizing Symptoms and Externalizing Behaviors in Latinx Adolescents with Same Sex Behaviors in Miami

Sexual minorities report poorer mental health relative to heterosexual counterparts, but this is underexplored in Latinx youth. This study compares internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors in Latinx adolescents with Same Sex Behaviors (LASSB) to their Latinx adolescent peers who did not report same sex behaviors (non-LASSB). It also explores the moderating role of biculturalism on the relationship between internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors, and same-sex behaviors. Individual-level baseline data (Total N=1,634; LASSB n=195) from five trials of a preventive intervention for Latinx adolescents were synthesized. Normal and clinical levels of internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors were determined, and logistic regression models were conducted to determine the odds of LASSB reporting these behaviors relative to non-LASSB. Additional adjusted models tested for the moderating effect of biculturalism. LASSB reported significantly higher odds of normal levels of all externalizing behaviors and clinical levels of anxious/depressed compared to non-LASSB. Biculturalism significantly moderated the association between same-sex behavior and clinical levels of internalizing behaviors; however, in subgroup analyses among LASSB, biculturalism did not significantly predict any of these behaviors. Latinx adolescents exhibited mental health disparities by same-sex behavior. Biculturalism may be an important indicator for describing these disparities in LASSB and should be further explored.

The role of perceived discrimination in substance use trajectories in Hispanic young adults: A longitudinal cohort study from high school through emerging adulthood

PURPOSE

Associations between discrimination and substance use have been identified cross-sectionally in multiple populations including Hispanics. However, there is limited research exploring this phenomenon longitudinally in Hispanic youth over the transition from adolescence through emerging adulthood (EA).

METHODS

Hispanic youth in Southern California (n = 1457) completed surveys over 11 years, from 2006 to 2017, including three high school collection waves and five EA collection waves. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to explore the associations between perceived discrimination during high school and cigarette and marijuana use in both high school and EA, controlling for gender, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and EA discrimination.

RESULTS

Compared with those who never used cigarettes or marijuana in high school and EA, perceived discrimination in high school was a significant predictor of two patterns of use: high school initiators who discontinued use of smoking (RRR = 1.677, 95%CI = 1.292-2.176) and/or marijuana (RRR = 1.464, 95%CI = 1.162-1.844), and high school initiators who continued smoking (RRR = 1.492, 95%CI = 1.196-1.861) and/or marijuana use (RRR = 1.249, 95%CI = 1.052-1.482) into EA. For late initiators who did not use in high school but started in EA, perceived high school discrimination was a significant predictor for cigarette smoking (RRR = 1.193, 95%CI = 1.036-1.373) but not for marijuana use.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived discrimination during adolescence is associated with substance use trajectories across both adolescence and EA. Culturally tailored prevention programs that provide training in skills to cope with psychosocial stressors could improve Hispanic adolescent health.

African American adolescent substance use: The roles of racial discrimination and peer pressure

Peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol is one of the strongest predictors of adolescent substance use. In addition to this normative adolescent stressor, African American adolescents often also face race-related stress in the form of racial discrimination, which has been linked to maladaptive coping responses such as substance use. The interaction of these stressors may help explain substance using behaviors for African American adolescents. The present study explored the relationship between eighth-grade school-based racial discrimination experiences, peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol, and gender to predict 11th-grade marijuana and alcohol use (N = 610; 49% female). Logistic regression analyses indicated teacher- and peer-perpetrated racial discrimination experiences were related to higher alcohol use. Eighth-grade peer pressure to use drugs moderated the relations between teacher- and peer-perpetrated racial discrimination and 11th-grade marijuana use. Overall, results indicate that school-based racial discrimination increases risk for adolescent substance use, and peer pressure moderates this relation for multiple types of racial discrimination. No moderation by gender was found. The importance of considering race-related stress in conjunction with more general adolescent stress to understand African American adolescent substance use is discussed.

Correlates of Resilience in Hispanic Young Adults

Research on health disparities among Hispanic/Latino populations has begun to look at resiliency as a key component to the health risk profile of Hispanics. However, there are still gaps in the research about the specific factors. This study sought to examine the relationship between factors in 4 primary domains-behavioral, psychological, social, and cultural-and resilience in Hispanic young adults. We used data from Project RED, which included 1503 Hispanic young adults. Results indicate that cultural factors (acculturation and cultural identity), psychological factors (depression, stress, and coping), and social connectedness are important determinants of resilience among Hispanic young adults.

The combined relations of gender, enculturation, and depressive symptoms with health risk behaviors in Mexican-Americans: a moderated mediation analysis

Objectives: The present study investigated the relationships of enculturation and depressive symptoms with health risk behavior engagement in Mexican-American college students and examined how these relationships differed by gender. Previous research has noted consistent gender differences in health risk behavior (e.g. alcohol use, substance use, and risky sexual behavior) among Latina/os, and emphasized the role of U.S. acculturation in this difference. Research examining the role of heritage cultural retention (i.e. enculturation), and including the added influence of mental health variables, such as depressive symptoms, is currently lacking. This study sought to address this gap.Design: A large sample (N = 677) of Mexican-American college students from four universities (located in New York, California, Florida, and Texas) completed an online questionnaire assessing health risk behaviors and corresponding variables.Results: We found that males who endorsed more behavioral enculturation and depressive symptoms were more likely to engage in health risk behavior than all others in the sample. Contrary to previous literature, no relationship was found between behavioral enculturation and health risk behavior in females.Conclusion: The current study found behavioral enculturation to be associated with depressive symptoms, and in turn with health risk behaviors among the males in our sample. Additional research will be needed to identify the mechanism underlying the relationship between enculturation and depressive symptoms as well as between depressive symptoms and risky behavior.

Associations of Multiple Acculturation Domains with Smoking Status among Latino Adults

Few efficacious interventions for tobacco use exist for Latinos. Identification of cultural factors relevant to smoking among Latinos can inform the development of efficacious interventions for Latino smokers. Acculturation is associated with smoking, especially among Latinas, but extant research is limited by operationalization of acculturation with unidirectional, single-domain proxies. We examined associations of multiple domains of acculturation with gender and smoking status among Latino adults. Cross-sectional data from 140 bilingual Latino adults was utilized. Acculturation was measured with the 4 subscales of the Multidimensional Acculturation Scale II (MAS-II). Logistic regression analyses tested interaction effects between MAS-II American and Latino Cultural Identification subscales, English and Spanish Proficiency subscales, and their interactions with gender, on smoking status. Higher English Proficiency was associated with greater odds of being a smoker at Spanish Proficiency scores of 4.5 or higher. Higher Latino Cultural Identification was associated with lower odds of being a smoker among women, but not men. Acculturation toward American culture, per se, may not be a risk factor for smoking; rather, its influence depends on Latino culture maintenance. Unlike in other areas of mental/behavioral health among Latinos, biculturalism may not be protective against smoking. The association between acculturation and smoking among Latinas may be a function of loss of Latino culture identification. Intervention programs should consider targeting these at-risk individuals. Longitudinal work that corroborates current findings and identifies mechanisms underlying these associations is needed.

Spanish Language Use Across Generations and Depressive Symptoms Among US Latinos

Acculturation markers, such as language use, have been associated with Latino depression. Language use may change between generations; however, few studies have collected intergenerational data to assess how language differences between generations impact depression. Using the Niños Lifestyle and Diabetes Study (2013-2014), we assessed how changes in Spanish language use across two generations of Mexican-origin participants in Sacramento, California, influenced offspring depressive symptoms (N = 603). High depressive symptoms were defined as CESD-10 scores ≥ 10. We used log-binomial and linear-binomial models to calculate prevalence ratios and differences, respectively, for depressive symptoms by language use, adjusting for identified confounders and within-family clustering. Decreased Spanish use and stable-equal English/Spanish use across generations protected against depressive symptoms, compared to stable-high Spanish use. Stable-low Spanish use was not associated with fewer depressive symptoms compared to stable-high Spanish use. Exposure to multiple languages cross-generationally may improve resource access and social networks that protect against depression.

Racial discrimination, educational attainment, and biological dysregulation among midlife African American women

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between self-reported racial discrimination and allostatic load, and whether the association differs by socioeconomic position.

METHODS

We recruited a purposive cross-section of midlife (ages 30-50) African American women residing in four San Francisco Bay area counties (n = 208). Racial discrimination was measured using the Experience of Discrimination scale. Allostatic load was measured as a composite of 15 biomarkers assessing cardiometabolic, neuroendocrine, and inflammatory activity. We calculated four composite measures of allostatic load and three system-specific measures of biological dysregulation. Multivariable regression was used to examine associations, while adjusting for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

In the high education group, reporting low (b = -1.09, P = .02, 95% CI = -1.99, -0.18) and very high (b = -1.88, P = .003, 95% CI = -3.11, -0.65) discrimination was associated with lower allostatic load (reference=moderate). Among those with lower education, reporting low (b = 2.05, P = .008, 95% CI = 0.55,3.56) discrimination was associated with higher allostatic load. Similar but less consistent associations were found for poverty status. Associations were similar for cardiometabolic functioning, but not for neuroendocrine or inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial discrimination may be an important predictor of cumulative physiologic dysregulation. Factors associated with educational attainment may mitigate this association for African American women and other groups experiencing chronic social stress.

Does Experienced Discrimination Explain Patterns of Menthol Use Among Young Adults? Evidence from the 2014 San Francisco Bay Area Young Adult Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Young adults are at high risk for using flavored tobacco, including menthol and underrepresented populations, such as Latino and African American young adults, are at particular risk.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to identify sociodemographic correlates of menthol use among young adult smokers and examine the potential role of experienced discrimination in explaining any associations.

METHODS

We conducted a probabilistic multimode household survey of young adults (aged 18-26) residing in Alameda and San Francisco Counties in California in 2014 (n = 1,350). We used logistic regression to evaluate associations between menthol cigarette use and experienced discrimination among young adult smokers as well as with respect to sociodemographic, attitudinal, and behavioral predictors. Interactions between experienced discrimination and race/ethnicity, sex and LGB identity were also modeled.

RESULTS

Latino and non-Hispanic Black young adult smokers were more likely to report current menthol use than non-Hispanic Whites, while those with college education were less likely to do so. Experienced discrimination mediated the relationship between race and menthol use for Asian/Pacific Islander and Multiracial young adult smokers with odds of use increasing by 32 and 42% respectively for each additional unit on the experienced discrimination scale. Conclusions/Importance: Latino and African American young adult smokers have disproportionately high menthol use rates; however, discrimination only predicted higher use for Asian/Pacific Islander and Multiracial young adult smokers. Limits on the sale of menthol cigarettes may benefit all nonwhite race/ethnic groups as well as those with less education.

Cultural Stressors and Depressive Symptoms in Latino/a Adolescents: An Integrative Review

BACKGROUND

Latino/a adolescents experience higher levels of depressive symptoms than Caucasian and African American adolescents. Many studies found that cultural stressors contribute to this disparity, but these findings have not been integrated into a cohesive picture of the specific cultural stressors that contribute to the development of depressive symptoms for Latino/a adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this integrative review is to identify cultural stressors that are associated with depressive symptoms in Latino/a adolescents.

DESIGN

Procedures outlined by Ganong were used to conduct the review. The results of 33 articles that met inclusion criteria were synthesized.

RESULTS

Discrimination, family culture conflict, acculturative and bicultural stress, intragroup rejection, immigration stress, and context of reception were identified as cultural stressors that are associated with depressive symptoms in Latino/a adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should employ strategies to help Latino/a youth cope with cultural stressors and advocate for policies that support the mental health of Latino/a youth.

Sociocultural Influences on the Association Between Negative Romantic Experiences and Psychological Maladjustment in Mexican Adolescents

The goal of this study was to examine whether cultural values (familismo, female virginity) and gender moderated the associations between negative romantic experiences and psychological maladjustment (depressive, anxiety symptoms) in a sample of Mexican adolescents. Self-report survey data were collected from 973 adolescents (M = 15.14 years old; 56% girls) in Mexico. Findings revealed more depressive and anxiety symptoms among adolescents who reported more negative romantic experiences. These associations were stronger for female adolescents reporting greater beliefs of familismo and female virginity. Mental health practitioners may consider negative romantic experiences and cultural values when working with Mexican adolescents.

Ethnic–racial identity content and the development of depressive symptoms among Latino adolescents

The current study examined the concurrent and prospective associations of ethnic–racial identity content (i.e., centrality, private regard, and public regard) and depressive symptomatology among Latino adolescents. Data were drawn from a longitudinal study of Latino adolescents (N= 148, 53.4% girls) who were 13–14 years old at Wave 1. Results indicated that higher ethnic–racial centrality at Waves 1 and 2 predicted fewer depressive symptoms at Waves 2 and 3, respectively. In addition, more positive private regard at Wave 1 predicted fewer depressive symptoms at Wave 2, and more positive public regard at Wave 2 predicted fewer symptoms at Wave 3. Thus, ethnic–racial identity content may serve as a cultural protective factor that is linked to diminished depressive symptomatology among Latino youth.

Remote Acculturation and Cigarette Smoking Susceptibility among Youth in Mexico

Many adolescents in majority world countries emulate U.S. American culture, which can influence their development. Globalization allows adolescents from majority world countries to learn about U.S. American culture through mass media and the exchange of information via the internet and other forms of communication. As such, youth in Mexico may experience remote acculturation, which can influence their smoking behaviors. We developed and tested a measure of remote acculturation (i.e., orientation to U.S. American and Mexican culture) among adolescents in Mexico and examined the association of remote acculturation with adolescents' smoking-related cognitions. Data came from a school-based survey of 5492 never-smoker, urban adolescents (51% female, M age = 14.07 years). Confirmatory factor analyses supported two latent factors-one for U.S. American and another for Mexican cultural orientation. Structural equation models revealed that stronger Mexican cultural orientation was associated with lower positive smoking-related attitudes, which were related with lower smoking susceptibility. Consistent with research on acculturation among U.S. Hispanic youth, findings indicate that stronger orientation toward U.S. culture may put adolescents in Mexico at risk for cigarette smoking, while greater orientation toward Mexican culture may prevent youth smoking in Mexico. We discuss directions for future research and policymaking strategies to prevent youth smoking in Mexico.

Movie Language Orientation, Gender, Movie Smoking Exposure, and Smoking Susceptibility among Youth in Mexico

Introduction

As a result of globalization, youth in Mexico may be exposed to US culture remotely. This remote intercultural contact may influence their movie language orientation and cigarette smoking. To examine how intercultural contact with U.S. culture influences the smoking behaviors of youth in Mexico, this study investigated the influence of English- and Spanish-language movie orientation on movie smoking exposure through US- and Mexico-produced movies. It also examined whether youth movie smoking exposure was associated with higher positive smoking-related expectancies and greater intentions to smoke cigarettes.

Methods

Participants were 7524 adolescent never smokers in Mexico (51% female, Mage = 12.39 years) who completed a school-based survey on movie language orientation, movie exposure (from which exposure to tobacco portrayals was estimated), smoking-related expectancies, and smoking susceptibility.

Results

Path and mediation analyses indicated that English-language movie orientation was associated with greater movie smoking exposure, leading to more positive smoking-related expectancies and greater youth smoking susceptibility.

Conclusion

Consistent with research on the influence of US culture on the smoking of Mexican-heritage youth in the United States, findings suggest that orientation toward English-language movies may put youth in Mexico at risk for smoking initiation. Findings extend existing research on intercultural contact and cigarette smoking with Hispanic youth in the United States to youth in Mexico. Implications for future research are discussed.

Implications

This study is one of the first to investigate the influence of remote intercultural contact with US culture on Mexican youth's smoking-related expectancies and susceptibility. This study investigated pathways by which youth's movie language orientation (English vs. Spanish) exposed them to movie smoking through US- and Mexico-produced movies, thereby influencing their smoking-related cognitions. Findings provide initial empirical evidence of a significant association between US remote intercultural contact and smoking among youth in Mexico. An important next step is to investigate how this process unfolds longitudinally and to investigate additional ways youth may engage with US culture to affect their smoking behaviors.

Perceived Discrimination as a Risk Factor for Use of Emerging Tobacco Products: More Similarities Than Differences Across Demographic Groups and Attributions for Discrimination

BACKGROUND

Perceived discrimination has been associated with cigarette smoking and other substance use among members of disadvantaged minority groups. However, most studies have focused on a single minority group, have not considered the individual's attribution for the discrimination, and have not considered emerging tobacco products.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the associations between perceived discrimination and use of six tobacco products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah, and smokeless tobacco) in a diverse sample of 1,068 adults in the United States.

METHODS

Participants were recruited on Amazon's Mechanical Turk and participated in an online survey. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between perceived discrimination and use of each tobacco product. Interactions between discrimination and demographic characteristics, and between discrimination and perceived reasons for discrimination, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status, perceived discrimination was a risk factor for current use of five of the six tobacco products. These associations were consistent across racial/ethnic groups and regardless of the individual's attribution for the reason for the discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that perceived discrimination is a risk factor for the use of multiple tobacco products, and that this association is not limited to particular demographic groups or types of discrimination. Public health programs could potentially reduce tobacco-related disease by teaching healthier ways to cope with discrimination.

Depression and Alcohol Use in a National Sample of Hispanic Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Underage alcohol use and depression remain public health concerns for Hispanic adolescents nationwide.

OBJECTIVES

The study purpose was to identify the profiles of depression among Hispanic adolescents who reported experiencing depressive symptoms in their lifetime and classify them into groups based on their symptoms. Based on classifications, we examined the relationship between past year alcohol use and severity of depressive symptoms while controlling for sex and age.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the 2013 NSDUH was conducted among Hispanic adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age (n = 585) who reported experiencing depressive symptoms. Latent class analysis was used to identify latent classes of depressive symptoms among Hispanic adolescents. A zero-inflated negative-binomial regression model was used to examine the relationship between alcohol use and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

"High depressive" and "moderate depressive" classes were formed. The items that highly differentiated among the groups were felt worthless nearly every day, others noticed they were restless or lethargic, and had changes in appetite or weight. There was a significant difference (p = 0.03) between the classes based on alcohol use; those in the moderate depressive class were 1.71 times more likely to be identified as not reporting past alcohol use. Results indicated the high depressive class was estimated to have 1.62 more days of past year alcohol use than those in the moderate depressive class for adolescents who used alcohol (p < 0.001). Conclusions/Importance: Study findings can be used to address these significant public health issues impacting Hispanic adolescents. Recommendations are included.

Ethnic variations in the relationship between multiple stress domains and use of several types of tobacco/nicotine products among a diverse sample of adults

Introduction

Financial strain and discrimination are consistent predictors of negative health outcomes and maladaptive coping behaviors, including tobacco use. Although there is considerable information exploring stress and smoking, limited research has examined the relationship between patterns of stress domains and specific tobacco/nicotine product use. Even fewer studies have assessed ethnic variations in these relationships.

Methods

This study investigated the relationship between discrimination and financial strain and current tobacco/nicotine product use and explored the ethnic variation in these relationships among diverse sample of US adults (N = 1068). Separate logistic regression models assessed associations between stress domains and tobacco/nicotine product use, adjusting for covariates (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, and household income). Due to statistically significant differences, the final set of models was stratified by race/ethnicity.

Results

Higher levels of discrimination were associated with higher odds of all three tobacco/nicotine product categories. Financial strain was positively associated with combustible tobacco and combined tobacco/nicotine product use. Financial strain was especially risky for Non-Hispanic Whites (AOR:1.191, 95%CI:1.083-1.309) and Blacks/African Americans (AOR:1.542, 95%CI:1.106-2.148), as compared to other groups, whereas discrimination was most detrimental for Asians/Pacific Islanders (AOR:3.827, 95%CI:1.832-7.997) and Hispanics/Latinas/Latinos (AOR:2.517, 95%CI:1.603-3.952).

Conclusions

Findings suggest discrimination and financial stressors are risk factors for use of multiple tobacco/nicotine products, highlighting the importance of prevention research that accounts for these stressors. Because ethnic groups may respond differently to stress/strain, prevention research needs to identify cultural values, beliefs, and coping strategies that can buffer the negative consequences of discrimination and financial stressors.

Acculturation, Mental Health, and Quality of Life among Hispanic Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Latent Class Analysis

Objective

Acculturation appears to be an important aspect of the association between ethnicity and disease, but it has not been explored in depth among childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The purpose of our study was to identify distinct acculturative profiles among Hispanic CCS and to assess differences in quality of life and depressive symptoms.

Design

Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct acculturative profiles using 9 indicator items reflecting Hispanic and Anglo cultural orientation. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to explore differences in depressive symptoms and quality of life between acculturation classes.

Setting and Participants

Participants were diagnosed in Los Angeles County, California, USA between 2000-2007 and were recruited for the study in 2009.

Main Outcome Measures

Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale and the PedsQL 4.0 quality of life scale.

Results

Three distinct acculturation classes emerged. All classes displayed a high probability of endorsing all Anglo orientation items. One class additionally demonstrated a high probability of endorsing all Hispanic orientation items and was labeled bicultural 40%); another demonstrated low probability of endorsing the Hispanic items so was labeled assimilated (32%); and the last demonstrated a high probability of endorsing only the Hispanic items related to language use and was labeled linguistically Hispanic/culturally Anglo (LH) (28%).

Conclusions

The assimilated group had significantly more depressive symptoms and lower quality of life than the other two groups. This may indicate that loss of the Hispanic culture may be associated with poorer psychosocial health among CCS.

The Impact of Acculturation Style and Acculturative Hassles on the Mental Health of Somali Adolescent Refugees

Refugee adolescents often immigrate to a new society because of experiences of persecution and trauma, which can have profound effects on their mental health. Once they immigrate, many refugees experience stressors related to resettlement and acculturation in the new society. The current study examined relationships among acculturation styles and hassles and the well-being of young refugees as well as the role of gender. Data were collected from 135 young refugees (M age = 15.39, SD = 2.2; 62 % male) from Somalia resettled in the United States The findings from our study indicate that in addition to trauma history, acculturative hassles and acculturation style impact the wellbeing of Somali refugee adolescents. These findings indicate the need to understand both past experiences as well as current challenges. Potential areas for intervention are discussed.

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

OBJECTIVE

Despite the prevalence of interpersonal violence (IPV), scientific understanding of the risk and protective factors for unidirectional and bidirectional IPV, and especially the role of sociocultural variables in these behaviors, is limited. This study investigates the association between ethnic-identity search, ethnic-identity affirmation, perceived discrimination, and unidirectional (victimization only, perpetration only) and bidirectional (reciprocal violence) IPV behaviors among foreign-born and U.S.-born Hispanic young adults.

METHOD

Data are from Project RED (Reteniendo y Entendiendo Diversidad para Salud), a study investigating the effect of psychosocial and sociocultural factors on health behavior among a community sample of Hispanic young adults in Southern California (n = 1,267).

RESULTS

Approximately 40% of the sample reported unidirectional or bidirectional IPV, with significant gender differences across the three categories. Compared with men, women had approximately 70% lower odds of victimization (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.15-0.71), over twice the odds of perpetration (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.98-3.62), and 35% higher odds (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04-1.81) of bidirectional IPV. Higher ethnic-identity affirmation was protective for victimization (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99) and bidirectional IPV (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.62-0.89), whereas higher perceived discrimination scores increased the odds for bidirectional IPV (OR = 1.37 95% CI = 1.26-1.56) and was particularly detrimental for foreign-born participants.

CONCLUSION

Intervention strategies should consider gender-specific risk profiles, cultural contexts, and the influence of sociocultural stressors. Addressing the harmful effects of perceived discrimination and leveraging the protective effects of ethnic-identity affirmation may be promising IPV-prevention strategies for Hispanic young adults. Future research directions and implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Externalizing and internalizing pathways to Mexican American adolescents' risk taking

This study used four waves of data from a longitudinal study of 749 Mexican origin youths to test a developmental cascades model linking contextual adversity in the family and peer domains in late childhood to a sequence of unfolding processes hypothesized to predict problem substance use and risky sexual activity (greater number of sex partners) in late adolescence. Externalizing and internalizing problems were tested as divergent pathways, with youth-reported and mother-reported symptoms examined in separate models. Youth gender, nativity, and cultural orientation were tested as moderators. Family risk, peer social rejection, and their interaction were prospectively related to externalizing symptoms and deviant peer involvement, although family risk showed stronger effects on parent-reported externalizing and peer social rejection showed stronger effects on youth-reported externalizing. Externalizing symptoms and deviant peers were related, in turn, to risk taking in late adolescence, including problem alcohol-substance use and number of sexual partners. Peer social rejection predicted youth-reported internalizing symptoms, and internalizing was related, in turn, to problem alcohol and substance use in late adolescence. Tests of moderation showed some of these developmental cascades were stronger for adolescents who were female, less oriented to mainstream cultural values, and more oriented to Mexican American cultural values.

Posttraumatic growth among childhood cancer survivors: Associations with ethnicity, acculturation, and religious service attendance

This study assessed the association between ethnicity, religious service attendance (RSA), and acculturation with posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a diverse sample of 235 childhood cancer survivors (CCS). PTG scores were estimated for each ethnicity, and by level of RSA and acculturation. There was a significant curvilinear relationship (inverted U) between RSA and PTG, such that moderate levels of RSA were associated with the highest PTG scores. Hispanics reported the highest PTG, and both Hispanic and Anglo cultural orientation were significantly positively associated with PTG. CCS with high or low frequency of RSA as well as Hispanic CCS who lack a strong sense of cultural identity may benefit from targeted efforts to promote psychosocial adaptation in the aftermath of cancer.

Effective Prevention Strategies for Increasing Health Services Utilization Among Hispanic Youth

The study purpose is to address the underutilization of mental health services among Hispanic youth. This article provides professionals with strategies to increase health services utilization by utilizing a framework of the levels of prevention model, with an emphasis on primary prevention. The following questions were explored: (1) What are primary prevention strategies that can assist school professionals? (2) What are secondary prevention strategies and tertiary prevention strategies school professionals can employ to increase the utilization of health services? Implementing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies may improve Hispanic youth's overall mental health, academic achievement, and quality of life.

Latino parent acculturation stress: Longitudinal effects on family functioning and youth emotional and behavioral health

Latino parents can experience acculturation stressors, and according to the Family Stress Model (FSM), parent stress can influence youth mental health and substance use by negatively affecting family functioning. To understand how acculturation stressors come together and unfold over time to influence youth mental health and substance use outcomes, the current study investigated the trajectory of a latent parent acculturation stress factor and its influence on youth mental health and substance use via parent-and youth-reported family functioning. Data came from a 6-wave, school-based survey with 302 recent (<5 years) immigrant Latino parents (74% mothers, Mage = 41.09 years) and their adolescents (47% female, Mage = 14.51 years). Parents' reports of discrimination, negative context of reception, and acculturative stress loaded onto a latent factor of acculturation stress at each of the first 4 time points. Earlier levels of and increases in parent acculturation stress predicted worse youth-reported family functioning. Additionally, earlier levels of parent acculturation stress predicted worse parent-reported family functioning and increases in parent acculturation stress predicted better parent-reported family functioning. While youth-reported positive family functioning predicted higher self-esteem, lower symptoms of depression, and lower aggressive and rule-breaking behavior in youth, parent-reported family positive functioning predicted lower youth alcohol and cigarette use. Findings highlight the need for Latino youth preventive interventions to target parent acculturation stress and family functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record

Alcohol use among recent immigrant Latino/a youth: acculturation, gender, and the Theory of Reasoned Action

OBJECTIVE

Latino/a youth are at risk for alcohol use. This risk seems to rise with increasing US cultural orientation and decreasing Latino cultural orientation, especially among girls. To ascertain how acculturation may influence Latino/a youth alcohol use, we integrated an expanded multi-domain model of acculturation with the Theory of Reasoned Action.

DESIGN

Participants were 302 recent Latino/a immigrant youth (141 girls, 160 boys; 152 from Miami, 150 from Los Angeles) who completed surveys at 4 time points. Youth completed measures of acculturation, attitudes toward drinking, perceived subjective norms regarding alcohol use, intention to drink, and alcohol use.

RESULTS

Structural equation modeling indicated that collectivistic values predicted more perceived disapproval of drinking, which negatively predicted intention to drink. Intention to drink predicted elevated alcohol use.

CONCLUSION

Although the association between collectivistic values and social disapproval of drinking was relatively small (β = .19, p < .05), findings suggest that collectivistic values may help protect Latino/a immigrant youth from alcohol use by influencing their perceived social disapproval of drinking, leading to lower intention to drink. Educational preventive interventions aimed at reducing or preventing alcohol use in recent Latino/a immigrant youth could promote collectivistic values and disseminate messages about the negative consequences of drinking.

The Role of Parent Communication and Connectedness in Dating Violence Victimization among Latino Adolescents

Dating violence among U.S. adolescents is a substantial concern. Previous research indicates that Latino youth are at increased risk of dating violence victimization. This secondary data analysis examined the prevalence of physical and sexual dating violence victimization among subgroups of Latino adolescents and associations of parent communication, parent caring, and dating violence victimization using data from the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 4,814). Parallel analyses were conducted for Latino-only and multiple-race Latino adolescents, stratified by gender. Multivariate logistic regression models tested associations between race/ethnicity, parent communication, perceived parent caring, and adolescent dating violence experiences. Overall, 7.2% to 16.2% of Latinos reported physical or sexual dating violence. Both types of dating violence were more prevalent among multiple-race Latinos than among Latino-only adolescents, with prevalence rates highest among multiple-race Latino females (19.8% and 19.7% for physical and sexual dating violence victimization, respectively). In multivariate models, perceived parent caring was the most important protective factor against physical and sexual dating violence among males and females. High levels of mother and father communication were associated with less physical violence victimization among males and females and with less sexual violence victimization among females. Results highlight the importance of parent communication and parent caring as buffers against dating violence victimization for Latino youth. These findings indicate potential for preventive interventions with Latino adolescents targeting family connectedness to address dating violence victimization.

Virtual Environments, Online Racial Discrimination, and Adjustment among a Diverse, School-Based Sample of Adolescents

Given the recent rise in online hate activity and the increased amount of time adolescents spend with media, more research is needed on their experiences with racial discrimination in virtual environments. This cross-sectional study examines the association between amount of time spent online, traditional and online racial discrimination and adolescent adjustment, including depressive symptoms, anxiety and externalizing behaviors. The study also explores the role that social identities, including race and gender, play in these associations. Online surveys were administered to 627 sixth through twelfth graders in K-8, middle and high schools. Multiple regression results revealed that discrimination online was associated with all three outcome variables. Additionally, a significant interaction between online discrimination by time online was found for externalizing behaviors indicating that increased time online and higher levels of online discrimination are associated with more problem behavior. This study highlights the need for clinicians, educational professionals and researchers to attend to race-related experiences online as well as in traditional environments.

A process-oriented analysis of parent acculturation, parent socio-cultural stress, family processes, and Latina/o youth smoking and depressive symptoms

Latina/o youth in the U.S. are often characterized by elevated rates of cigarette smoking and depressive symptoms, and these rates appear to vary by youth acculturation and socio-cultural stress. Scholars suggest that parents' cultural experiences may be important determinants of youth smoking and depressive symptoms. However, few studies have examined the influence of parent acculturation and related stressors on Latina/o youth smoking and depressive symptoms. To address this gap in the literature, in the current study we investigated how parent-reported acculturation, perceived discrimination, and negative context of reception affect youth smoking and depressive symptoms through parent reports of familism values and parenting. The longitudinal (4 waves) sample consisted of 302 Latina/o parent-adolescent dyads from Los Angeles (N = 150) and Miami (N = 152). Forty-seven percent of the adolescent sample was female (M age = 14.5 years), and 70% of the parents were mothers (M age = 41.10 years). Parents completed measures of acculturation, perceived discrimination, negative context of reception, familism values, and parenting. Youth completed measures regarding their smoking and symptoms of depression. Structural equation modeling suggested that parents' collectivistic values (Time 1) and perceived discrimination (Time 1) predicted higher parental familism (Time 2), which in turn, predicted higher levels of positive/involved parenting (Time 3). Positive/involved parenting (Time 3), in turn, inversely predicted youth smoking (Time 4). These findings indicate that parents' cultural experiences play important roles in their parenting, which in turn appears to influence Latino/a youth smoking. This study highlights the need for preventive interventions to attend to parents' cultural experiences in the family (collectivistic values, familism values, and parenting) and the community (perceived discrimination).

Health risk behaviors and depressive symptoms among Hispanic adolescents: Examining acculturation discrepancies and family functioning

Drawing from a theory of bicultural family functioning 2 models were tested to examine the longitudinal effects of acculturation-related variables on adolescent health risk behaviors and depressive symptoms (HRB/DS) mediated by caregiver and adolescent reports of family functioning. One model examined the effects of caregiver-adolescent acculturation discrepancies in relation to family functioning and HRB/DS. A second model examined the individual effects of caregiver and adolescent acculturation components in relation to family functioning and HRB/DS. A sample of 302 recently immigrated Hispanic caregiver-child dyads completed measures of Hispanic and U.S. cultural practices, values, and identities at baseline (predictors); measures of family cohesion, family communications, and family involvement 6 months postbaseline (mediators); and only adolescents completed measures of smoking, binge drinking, inconsistent condom use, and depressive symptoms 1 year postbaseline (outcomes). Measures of family cohesion, family communications, and family involvement were used to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to estimate the fit of a latent construct for family functioning. Key findings indicate that (a) adolescent acculturation components drove the effect of caregiver-adolescent acculturation discrepancies in relation to family functioning; (b) higher levels of adolescent family functioning were associated with less HRB/DS, whereas higher levels of caregiver family functioning were associated with more adolescent HRB/DS; (c) and only adolescent reports of family functioning mediated the effects of acculturation components and caregiver-adolescent acculturation discrepancies on HRB/DS.