title: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Communication, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. kam.12@osu.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kam
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cleveland
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D011287:Prejudice; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*