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Substance Use Attitudes among Urban Black Adolescents: The Role of Parent, Peer, and Cultural Factors

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Abstract

This study examined the influence of perceived parental, peer, and cultural factors on Black American adolescent attitudes toward substance use. One-hundred-eight Black American youth (grades 9–12) from economically disadvantaged urban neighborhoods of New York, completed self-report measures on: (a) parent-child involvement, parental supervision, and parent attitudes toward high risk behaviors; (b) peer bonds and peer attitudes toward high risk behaviors; and (c) ethnic identity, parental racial socialization, and extended family support. Youth disapproval of substance use was positively associated with higher perceived levels of peer and parental disapproval of high risk behaviors, parental supervision, and ethnic identity. Youth who reported parental messages about racial discrimination without balanced parental messages about racial pride and racial equality were more likely to approve substance use.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University. This paper is based on a doctoral dissertation completed by the first author. The authors would like to acknowledge the teachers and community leaders who provided assistance with the research and the generosity of youth who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Box 1240, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA

    Scyatta A. Wallace

  2. Department of Psychology, Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University, Dealy Hall, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA

    Celia B. Fisher

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  1. Scyatta A. Wallace
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  2. Celia B. Fisher
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Correspondence to Scyatta A. Wallace.

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Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. Her research interests include socio-cultural factors in the prevention of youth substance use, sexual risk, and violence.

Director, Center for Ethics Education and Marie Ward Doty Professor of Psychology at Fordham University. Current research interests include research ethics with vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents.

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Wallace, S.A., Fisher, C.B. Substance Use Attitudes among Urban Black Adolescents: The Role of Parent, Peer, and Cultural Factors. J Youth Adolescence 36, 441–451 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-006-9099-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-006-9099-5

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