Acculturation Influences on Inhalant Use

Abstract

The relationship of acculturation and cultural influences to inhalant use was studied in a sample of 110 Mexican American adolescents and their mothers. The analyses examined both the direct relationship of acculturation with outcomes, including inhalant use, as well as the possible indirect relationship of acculturation through socialization, socioeconomic, and psychological variables, with outcome measures. Little support was found for the direct relationship of acculturation with outcomes, but there was limited support for the indirect relationship of acculturation with outcomes through socialization and psychologicalfactors. While the homogeneity of the sample may limit generalization of results, the relationships of drug use with perceived racial discrimination, association with deviant peers, involvement in religion and family, and psychological status are important for future study.