Perceived Discrimination as a Risk Factor for Latina/o Youth's Substance Use: Do Parent- and Peer-Based Communication and Relationship Resources Act as Protective Factors?

Abstract

Based on general strain theory, it was hypothesized that as Latina/o youth experience perceived discrimination, they are more likely to develop acculturation stress and, in turn, more likely to use substances. Two additional hypotheses were set forth to examine how parent- and peer-based communication, relationship, and norm resources may function as buffers, thereby decreasing the likelihood that strained youth will use substances. Latina/o youth (N = 728) from 23 schools in Phoenix, AZ, completed surveys at three waves over 2 years. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results supported the first hypothesis. Yet, contrary to the second hypothesis, neither parent nor peer resources were significant moderators. Implications are discussed for theory and parent- and peer-based prevention research directed at perceived discrimination, acculturation stress, and substance use.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This article was supported by grants R01 DA005629 (PI: Michael Hecht) and T32 DA017629 (PI: Mark Greenberg) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to The Pennsylvania State University, and by the National Institute on Drug Abuse Center, grant P50 DA100075 (PI: Linda Collins), to The Methodology Center. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The authors would like to thank Michael Hecht and the reviewers for their advice regarding this manuscript.

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