Ethnic Identity and Substance Use Risk among Mexican-origin 5th Graders: Moderating Effects of Gender and Time in the U.S.A

This study examines the link between ethnic identity and substance use in a sample of 1,312 10 and 11 year olds whose self-reported ethnicity is “Mexican,” “Mexican-American,” or “Chicano.” Ethnic identity -- the degree to which individuals identify with their ethnic group and are knowledgeable of and participate in their culture and its traditions -- is a salient part of the acculturation process for immigrants and their descendents. Unlike most prior studies, we examine the impact of ethnic identity on substance use longitudinally, among children entering a developmental period where substance use typically begins. We analyze whether strong ethnic identification protects against the adoption of substance use behaviors and pro-drug attitudes and whether ethnic identity effects differ by gender or time spent in the United States. Data came from surveys administered in Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 in classrooms in 32 elementary schools in a large southwestern city. Using a modified version of Phinney's Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, we employ mixed models that account for school-level clustering of the data to predict six-month changes in last 30 day alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use (frequency and amount) and pro-substance use norms and attitudes. Results indicate that stronger ethnic identification curbs boys' but not girls' adoption of substance use behaviors and attitudes. Strong ethnic identity lowers boys' risk of initiating or increasing their substance use and adopting pro-drug norms and attitudes. Interaction tests demonstrated that this effect is pronounced among Mexican heritage boys who have lived in the United States the longest.