Predictors of growth trajectories of substance use from 9th to 11th grade among hispanic adolescents in Southern California

Abstract

Hispanic adolescents in the United States experience a wide range of cultural challenges including acculturative stress (Romero et al. 2007), discrimination from members of the majority culture and other cultures (Pérez et al. 2008), family conflict resulting from parent-child acculturation discrepancies (Szapocznik et al. 1978; Unger et al. 2009), and the challenges of finding a balance between adopting the cultural norms and values of the United States and preserving those of the culture of origin (Balcazar et al. 1995; Gil et al. 1994; Szapocznik et al. 1989). Most Hispanic adolescents learn to navigate these challenges and become well-adjusted, productive members of society. Unfortunately, some turn to maladaptive behaviors such as substance use. Because Hispanics are the most rapidly-growing foreign-born group in the United States (Ramirez and de la Cruz 2002), it is important to gain a more complete understanding of their risk and protective factors for problem behaviors including substance use.