Perceived Ethnic Discrimination versus Acculturation Stress: Influences on Substance Use among Latino Youth in the Southwest

Abstract

Using a predominately Mexican-origin Latino sample of 5th grade students from the Southwestern United States, this study examined the relative effects of perceived discrimination and acculturation stress on substance use, and it assessed whether these effects were moderated by linguistic acculturation or time in the United States. Although rates of substance use were generally low in the sample, given the young age of the participants, over half (59%) of the sample perceived some discrimination, and almost half (47%) experienced some acculturation stress. Spanish-dominant and bilingual youth perceived more discrimination than English-dominant youth, whereas youth who have been in the United States five or fewer years perceived more discrimination than youth with more time in the United States. Youth who were Spanish-dominant or were recent arrivals experienced the most acculturation stress, with levels declining as linguistic acculturation and time in the United States increased. Multiple regression estimates indicated that perceived discrimination was associated with larger amounts and higher frequency of recent substance use and an array of substance use attitudes, such as stronger intentions to use substances, espousal of pro-drug norms, more positive substance use expectancies, and peer approval of substance use. Although acculturation stress was not associated with substance use, it was positively associated with several substance use attitudes, which are known antecedents of actual use. With a few exceptions, linguistic acculturation and time in the United States did not moderate the effects of perceived discrimination or acculturation stress.

Experiences of Discrimination and Its Effect on Life Satisfaction: Understanding Differences within Subgroups of Foreign Spouses from Multicultural Families in Korea

“…First as suspected, those who are more recent arrivals in Korea were found to be more satisfied with their life than those who have stayed in Korea for a longer period of time. This finding is consistent with literature investigating healthy immigrant effect which explains that the more acculturated immigrants tend to exhibit lower level of life satisfaction, more depressive symptoms, and other health problems (Kulis, Marsiglia, & Nieri, 2009). This is also consistent with Oberg's U-Curve theory which argues that recent immigrants first go through the honeymoon phase in which they are generally satisfied with their new life (Oberg, 1960).…”

“…This is also consistent with Oberg's U-Curve theory which argues that recent immigrants first go through the honeymoon phase in which they are generally satisfied with their new life (Oberg, 1960). As immigrants adjust and become familiar with their new life, it is argued that they become aware of the extent of discrimination, their disadvantaged status as minority, and become dissatisfied with their life (Kulis et al, 2009). …”

Revisão sistemática dos estudos epidemiológicos sobre discriminação interpessoal e saúde mental

“…Em seguida, excluíram-se mais quatro artigos, após a leitura de seus conteúdos na ín-tegra, por não se tratarem de estudos originais ou não apresentarem medida de discriminação interpessoal autorrelatada como a principal exposição. Esse processo resultou em 34 estudos 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35 . Adolescentes e adultos representaram a faixa etária estudada em 44% dos trabalhos (n = 12), apenas adolescentes 11% (n = 3) e crianças, adolescentes e adultos 11% (n = 3).…”

“…The review included 34 Introdução A discriminação tem impacto considerável sobre os grupos contra os quais é praticada, implica a negação de seus direitos e afeta sua individualidade 1 . Conceitualmente, a discriminação pode ser entendida como um "tratamento diferencial e frequentemente desigual a pessoas, formal ou informalmente agrupadas em uma categoria particular.…”

Association Between Perceived Discrimination and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Problem Behaviors Among Preadolescent Youths

“…Nevertheless, a relatively small amount of research has examined health effects of discrimination for children and adolescents. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] This work, which has primarily focused on Black youth, has shown relationships between discrimination and greater externalizing symptoms (i.e., problem behaviors), 9,10,16,19,20 internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression), 9,11,14,15,[21][22][23][24] and substance use. 12,13 Little is known regarding whether Latino youth similarly experience mental health deficits following discrimination.…”