Heavy episodic drinking (HED), which is defined consuming 4+/5+ drinks in one sitting for females/males, can lead to a variety of adverse effects in college students. Latinx students in particular report high rates of past month alcohol use and HED. Previous research has demonstrated that familismo (dedication and value to family) and ethnic identity (sense of belonging to one’s ethnic group) may influence alcohol use among Latinx individuals. This study examines the influence Latinx cultural factors on long-term drinking and alcohol-related consequences.
The study’s sample consisted of 245 Hispanic/Latinx students from three large public universities. Participants were asked to complete a survey during their first year (T1), second year (T2) and fourth year (T4) of school. Familismo was assessed during T1 using two separate scales. During T2 ethnic identity was examined using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure. Finally during T4 students were asked to complete a Daily Drinking Questionnaire and alcohol-related consequences were also assessed. Data was analyzed using path models to assess for relationships between cultural factors and alcohol use outcomes.
Results of the data analysis showed that T1 familismo was positively associated with T2 ethnic pride and negatively associated with T2 ethnic shame. T2 ethnic pride was negatively related to T4 alcohol consumption and T2 ethnic shame was positively related to T4 alcohol consumption. T1 familismo was not directly related to T4 alcohol use. T1 familismo was found to have significant indirect effects on T4 blackouts, sexual consequences, social problems, and impaired control through its effect on alcohol use, ethnic pride, and ethnic shame.
Takeaway: Cultural factors like ethnic pride, ethnic shame, and familismo may impact alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among Latinx college students.