The Role of Acculturation, Parenting, and Family in Hispanic/Latino Adolescent Substance Use: Findings From a Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Focus groups were conducted with adolescents and parents as part of a larger study to understand the connection between acculturation and Hispanic/Latino adolescent substance use. Parents (n = 18) were all mothers and had an average age of 42 years. Students (n = 16) were 62% female and had an average age of 14 years. Results are summarized in five categories: culture/ethnic identity, acculturation, parent-child conflict/relationships, gender, and adolescent substance use. Parents and adolescents held similar views in some areas (e.g., pride in ethnic identity and changes in language use), but diverged in others (e.g., indicators of acculturation, gender differences in parenting, and ideas of freedom and independence). Participants in the focus groups did not endorse the association between acculturation and substance use that has been detected in quantitative studies. Implications for substance use prevention and treatment programs are discussed.

Marijuana Use Among Latino Adolescents: Gender Differences in Protective Familial Factors

“…Previous research (Pantin et al, 2009) has demonstrated that culturally relevant programs that teach parenting skills and knowledge can prevent substance use and HIV-risk behaviors among Latino adolescents. Parents and adolescents in Latino families typically have similar goals for their relationship—to be loved, understood, and respected despite generational differences in values and experiences (Wagner et al, 2008). However, parents and adolescents may need to learn more effective techniques for promoting open communication about controversial topics such as drug use (Buzi et al, 2009; Fasula & Miller, 2006).…”

“…However, parents and adolescents may need to learn more effective techniques for promoting open communication about controversial topics such as drug use (Buzi et al, 2009; Fasula & Miller, 2006). In an unfamiliar and often threatening cultural environment, Latino parents may attempt to protect their children from danger by engaging in “protective parenting”—monitoring their whereabouts, searching their rooms and backpacks, and using other controlling techniques to limit their autonomy (Domenech Rodríguez et al, 2009; Wagner et al, 2008). Adolescents growing up in the US culture might respond better to parenting practices that emphasize joint decision-making and open communication.…”

“…Pokhrel and colleagues (2008) found that both parental monitoring and parent–child communication were protective against marijuana use. Although several studies have examined how acculturation and family dynamics impact behavior among Latino adolescents (Buchanan & Smokowski, 2009; Martinez, 2006; Pasch et al, 2006; Unger et al, 2009; Wagner et al, 2008), most of the acculturation literature has not explored family relationships in depth (Lau et al, 2005; Unger et al, 2009) or has focused on outcomes other than substance use (Christenson, Zabriskie, Eggett, & Freeman, 2006; Dennis, Basáñez, & Frarahmand, 2010; Rodriguez, Mira, Paez, & Myers, 2007; Schwartz, Pantin, Prado, Sullivan, & Szapocznik, 2005). …”

Risk factors for legal involvement among a nationally representative sample of Hispanic adolescents

“…Common in the Hispanic culture is the value of strictness and Hispanic parents hope to protect their children from harmful social influences that do not parallel with their cultural beliefs (Wagner et al, 2008). As Note: A Indicates referent; *p < .05; **p < .01; *** p < .001; A total of 2,994 cases were analysed and the full model significantly predicted legal involvement (omnibus chi-square = 145.149, df = 9, p < .001).…”

Efficacy of a Culturally Based Parenting Intervention: Strengthening Open Communication Between Mexican-Heritage Parents and Adolescent Children

“…As youth adapt to the host culture and adopt new cultural values, they might reject some of the more traditional values held by their parents, which can contribute to the breakdown of communication between parents and their adolescent children (Portes & Rumbaut, 2001). A qualitative study conducted with Latino high-school students illustrated the contemporary challenges that adolescents face and how these challenges can have an impact on communication with their parents (Wagner et al, 2008). The students described feeling pressured to fit in with their peers.…”