Acculturation Strain Theory: Its Application in Explaining Drug Use Behavior Among Cuban and Other Hispanic Youth

Abstract

This paper presents a review and synthesis of the acculturation process, culture change, and social psychological stress literatures and proposes an empirical model combining elements of all three to explain Latino adolescent drug use in the context of other explanatory factors. The paper assesses current knowledge and urges use of integrative theoretical models that explore risk/protective and unique cultural adjustment factors affecting Latinos. Five scales assessing acculturation and acculturative strains are presented with validation information to facilitate future research.

Key Words:

• Drug use
• Theory
• Acculturation strain
• Latino
• Culture
• Social
• Psychological stress