Individual and Familial Risk and Promotive Factors for Substance Use Among Multiracial American Young Adults.

Abstract

Background: Multiracial American adults have the highest rates of binge drinking and illicit drug use of all racial groups, yet little is known about the risk and promotive factors that contribute to their substance use.

Objectives: This study examines how individual factors (i.e., shifting racial expressions, perceived racial ambiguity, creating third space, self-esteem, depression) and family cohesion relate to substance use among 574 Multiracial young adults in the United States (M_age = 19.87).

Results: Findings suggested that Multiracial young adults who reported higher scores on perceived racial ambiguity, self-esteem, and depression had a higher likelihood of drinking to feel drunk and binge drinking, while more family cohesion with their first primary caregiver was associated with a lower likelihood of drinking to feel drunk. Perceived racial ambiguity was also associated with a higher likelihood of illicit drug use, while family cohesion with their second primary caregiver was associated with a lower likelihood of illicit drug use. Multiracial young adults with White ancestry were more likely to drink to feel drunk than Multiple Minority Multiracials, but there were no differences between groups in binge drinking or illicit drug use.

Conclusions: In sum, the unique racialized experiences, mental health, and family relationships of Multiracial Americans may play a role in substance use.