The Role Of Acculturation Styles And Acculturative Stress In Predicting Substance Use And Depressive Symptoms Among Latina/O Adolescents

Author

Leslie Nain Bautista, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

8-2022

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Discipline

Clinical Adolescent Psychology

Abstract

Today's Latina/o adults are the second-highest group experiencing stress in the United States (APA, 2021). In particular, experiences of acculturative stress and cultural adjustment stressors add psychological stress and impact Latinas/os adolescents' overall health (Sanchez et al., 2014). While scholars have sought to delineate these challenges, less attention has been devoted to understanding how these stressors influence Latina/o youth coping behaviors and mental health. Therefore, the present study uses data from the Drug Use and Cultural Factors Among Hispanic Adolescents and Emerging Adults- Los Angeles (2006-2016) to examine the associations between Latina/o youth's acculturative stress level and drug use (i.e., alcohol and marijuana). The present study included a test of logistic and linear regression analyses to examine the relationship between Latinas/os’ acculturative stress level (i.e., high or low), acculturation styles, and their drug use while controlling for demographic factors (i.e., gender, generational status, and age). Results suggest that acculturative stress is the primary predictor of negative health behaviors and should be the target of clinical intervention and treatment for Latina/o adolescents. Additionally, theoretical acculturation models should includeacculturative stress as a primary component linking the acculturation experience to health and behavior.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Logan A. Yelderman

Committee Member

Yuki Shigemoto

Committee Member

Stacie C. DeFreitas

Committee Member

Selena D. Tate

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

© 2021 Prairie View A & M University

Date of Digitization

11/21/2024

Contributing Institution

John B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Bautista, L. N. (2022). The Role Of Acculturation Styles And Acculturative Stress In Predicting Substance Use And Depressive Symptoms Among Latina/O Adolescents. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/80