Predicting change in substance use and substance use cognitions of Mexican origin youth during the transition from childhood to early adolescence

Abstract

In the present study we examined changes in substance use and intentions to use substances for over 300 Mexican origin youth during the period from fifth to seventh grade. Consistent with the Family Stress Model, the findings showed that external stressors like economic pressure and ethnic discrimination increased maternal emotional distress which, in turn, reduced effective parenting. This stress process increased risk for youth use and intentions to use. However, when mothers remained effective parents, risk of use declined. Moreover, traditional cultural values involving family and religion reduced risk for involvement with substances during this developmental period. Thus, maternal effective parenting and cultural values increased resilience to substance use for Mexican American youth.