Examining Psychological Characteristics and Ethnicity on Drinking in Emerging Adults

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

Poorer psychological functioning is associated with heightened drinking and drinking-related consequences among emerging adults. Further, evidence suggests that particular demographic factors may account for differential patterns in drinking outcomes, especially identity factors associated with a marginalized status. However, there has been limited research examining the relative contributions of demographic versus psychological characteristics when predicting drinking outcomes. Furthermore, whether the effects of psychological characteristics on drinking vary as a function of one identifying as a marginalized individual is unclear. This study 1) examined the degree to which demographic factors (i.e., race, sex, ethnicity), mental health indicators (i.e., somatization, depression, anxiety), and adaptive coping strategies account for drinking outcomes and 2) tested Hispanic/Latinx identity as a moderating factor in the associations between psychological characteristics (i.e., mental health, coping strategies) and drinking outcomes. Participants were 1,735 college drinkers (Mage = 20.43, SDage = 2.76 years; 76.6% female, 40.1% White, 13.7% Hispanic/Latinx) between 18 and 30 years old who reported past month alcohol use. Two hierarchical linear regression models revealed racially marginalized students drink less and experience fewer drinking consequences than White students. Additionally, more somatic and anxiety symptoms were associated with increased drinking consequences. Findings indicate that those who use more adaptive coping strategies may experience increased drinking outcomes; however, such associations may be weaker for Hispanic/Latinx students. Further research on how culture impacts the type of coping strategies used could help clarify these associations and identify which cultural factors are protective against drinking outcomes.

Presenting Author Name/s

Isabel A. Martinez

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Cathy Lau-Barraco

Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department

Psychology

College Affiliation

College of Sciences

Presentation Type

Poster

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology

Session Title

Poster Session

Location

Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library

Start Date

3-30-2024 8:30 AM

End Date

3-30-2024 10:00 AM

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Mar 30th, 8:30 AM Mar 30th, 10:00 AM

Examining Psychological Characteristics and Ethnicity on Drinking in Emerging Adults

Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library

Poorer psychological functioning is associated with heightened drinking and drinking-related consequences among emerging adults. Further, evidence suggests that particular demographic factors may account for differential patterns in drinking outcomes, especially identity factors associated with a marginalized status. However, there has been limited research examining the relative contributions of demographic versus psychological characteristics when predicting drinking outcomes. Furthermore, whether the effects of psychological characteristics on drinking vary as a function of one identifying as a marginalized individual is unclear. This study 1) examined the degree to which demographic factors (i.e., race, sex, ethnicity), mental health indicators (i.e., somatization, depression, anxiety), and adaptive coping strategies account for drinking outcomes and 2) tested Hispanic/Latinx identity as a moderating factor in the associations between psychological characteristics (i.e., mental health, coping strategies) and drinking outcomes. Participants were 1,735 college drinkers (Mage = 20.43, SDage = 2.76 years; 76.6% female, 40.1% White, 13.7% Hispanic/Latinx) between 18 and 30 years old who reported past month alcohol use. Two hierarchical linear regression models revealed racially marginalized students drink less and experience fewer drinking consequences than White students. Additionally, more somatic and anxiety symptoms were associated with increased drinking consequences. Findings indicate that those who use more adaptive coping strategies may experience increased drinking outcomes; however, such associations may be weaker for Hispanic/Latinx students. Further research on how culture impacts the type of coping strategies used could help clarify these associations and identify which cultural factors are protective against drinking outcomes.