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Role of Perceived Peer Prejudice and Teacher Discrimination on Adolescent Substance Use: A Social Determinants Approach

NCJ Number
244577
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2013 Pages: 279-299
Author(s)
Brandon N. Respress; Eusebius Small; Shelley A. Francis; David Cordova
Date Published
December 2013
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether and to what extent perceived peer prejudice and teacher discrimination affect binge drinking and marijuana use by Black and non-Hispanic White adolescents.
Abstract
Although Black adolescents have reported a lower prevalence of substance use relative to non-Hispanic Whites, Black youth are disproportionately affected by adverse social outcomes. Social scientists have highlighted that using a framework that includes perceived peer prejudice and teacher discrimination as social determinants of adolescent risk behaviors is essential to fully understanding substance use behaviors in adolescents. However, this area of research remains underdeveloped. This study examined whether and to what extent perceived peer prejudice and teacher discrimination affect binge drinking and marijuana use by Black (n = 514) and non-Hispanic White (n = 2,818) adolescents using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Wave 2, Public Use dataset. Findings suggest that peer prejudice increased the risk of substance use in non-Hispanic White youth only, whereas experiences of teacher discrimination increased the risk of substance use in both Black and non-Hispanic White youth. The study's limitations are noted, and implications for future research are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.

Publication Format
Article
Publication Type
Report (Study/Research)
Language
English
Country
United States of America