CULTURAL IDENTIFICATION AND ALCOHOL USE AMONG “BLACK” ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between cultural identification and alcohol use among Black adolescents—77 African-American and 185 Haitian Black adolescents. The Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale assessed cultural identification. A logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between cultural identification association between cultural identification, friendships, and alcohol use. Results indicate no relationship between cultural identification and alcohol use. Drinking during the past six months was significantly associated with having close friends who drink. Although the direction of friend influence is unclear. Differences were observed in the context of drinking between the two groups and, importantly, youths in both groups reported drinking alone and to relax/because of stress. Sociocultural factors, context and the basis of drinking need to be addressed in programs for youth.

• Black adolescents
• Alcohol use
• Cultural identification
• Peer influence
• Sociocultural factors