Family Functioning, Substance Use and Related Problem Behaviors: Hispanic vs. Anglo Runaway Youths

• NCJ Number: 200627
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 83-101
• Author(s): Natasha Slesnick; Christina Vasquez; Joyce Bittinger
• Editor(s): Peter L. Myers Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): AA12173; R29 DA 11590
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services; National Institute on Drug Abuse; US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study attempted to address the lack of research and investigate ethnicity differences within a sample of Hispanic and Anglo runaway youths diagnosed with substance abuse and examined substance use, family functioning, and related problem behaviors within the sample.

Abstract

Runaway and homeless youths represent a neglected clinical group. With their substance abuse and related problem behaviors, they present a pressing national health concern. Limited studies with mixed findings on runaways analyzed ethnic differences in substance use among runaway youths. In this study, it was expected that Hispanic runaway youths in both single and two-parent families would report less drug and alcohol use, greater family connection, and fewer related problem behaviors than would Anglo youths. One hundred and forty-five runaway youths were recruited through 2 runaway/homeless shelters in a southwestern city. Family functioning and substance use were assessed using interview and self-report methods. The hypotheses were partially supported. Several ethnicity differences were found, but few differences were found between single and two-parent families. Overall, Hispanic youths reported more depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and less externalizing problems on the Youth Self-Report (YSR) than did Anglo youths, supporting previous research that Hispanic youths engage in less delinquent activities than do Anglo youths. This may be due to Hispanic parents being more restrictive of their youths and using more authoritarian means to control them. Study limitations are presented and discussed. Study implications consisted of differences in substance use, family functioning, and related problem behaviors between Hispanic and Anglo youths; Anglo runaway youths in single parent families may be at particular risk for illicit drug use. However, running away from home presents a family crisis regardless of ethnicity or acculturation. Findings argue that culturally sensitive interventions for runaway youths and families are warranted. References