Cohesion and Conflict: Family Influences on Adolescent Alcohol Use in Immigrant Latino Families

• NCJ Number: 229936
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2009 Pages: 400-412
• Author(s): Flavio F. Marsiglia; Stephen Kulis; Monica Parsai; Paula Villar; Christina Garcia
• Date Published: December 2009
• Length: 13 pages
• Grant Number(s): P20 MD002316; 1K01CE000496
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health & Human Services; National Ctr on Minority Health and Health Disparities
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines how cohesion and parent-adolescent conflict relate to alcohol use among Mexican-heritage adolescents.

Abstract

The sample consists of 120 adolescents (14 to 18) participants from the Southwest sub-sample of the Latino Acculturation and Health Project. Lifetime and recent alcohol use, and binge-drinking were tested. Results from the logistic regressions identified high and low levels of family cohesion as a risk factor for alcohol use compared to medium levels of cohesion; and parent-child conflict predicted lifetime use and binge drinking. Low and high family cohesion levels appear to be especially problematic among Mexican adolescents who are trying to navigate two different cultural worlds. Although, high cohesion is often a characteristic of Mexican families, Mexican-heritage adolescents may view high family cohesion as a hindrance to their own independence. Unresolved conflict seems to be connected to children's problem behaviors and alcohol misuse could be utilized by youth as a mechanism to reduce emotional distress caused by family tensions. Tables and references (Published Abstract)