Traditionalism in the Prevention of Substance Misuse among Puerto Ricans

Abstract

Data are presented from a multicluster stratified sample of 1,084 Puerto Rican households in the New York City area. Researchers examined the impact of loss of traditional Hispanic family-oriented gender role values and degree of acculturation upon drug use. Sociodemographic variables are presented. Indices of “traditionalism” and “acculturation” were created, validated, and correlated with drug use. Traditionalism was found to covary negatively with drug use, but more so for women. The positive relationship between acculturation and drug use was found to be influenced by different levels of traditionalism. Implications for treatment and prevention are discussed.

Key Words:

• Acculturation
• Hispanic
• Puerto Rican
• Drug use
• Traditionalism