Racial Disparity on the Associations Between Psychosocial Factors and Adolescent Drug Use

This secondary data analysis examined associations between psychosocial factors and racial disparities in adolescent drug use. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data, 9899 adolescents (Hispanic = 20.7%; African American = 33.4%; White = 45.9%) aged 15–19 were analyzed. Drug use was measured using self-reported use of cocaine, crack cocaine, hallucinogens, downers, inhalants, stimulants, heroin, steroids, Ecstasy, and methamphetamine. Psychosocial predictors included self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and mastery (Pearlin Mastery Scale). This study examined: (1) whether racial disparities in drug use exist and whether psychosocial factors influence drug use, and (2) whether psychosocial factors are associated with racial differences in use. African-American adolescents reported lower drug use than White, while Hispanic youth reported higher use. Higher self-esteem and mastery were associated with reduced likelihood of drug use. Among White adolescents who used drugs, levels of self-esteem and mastery were lower than those reported by African-American and Hispanic peers using drugs. Additional risk factors included male-gender, single-parent household, poverty, and fewer siblings. Findings suggest that promoting psychosocial development and strengthening family stability may reduce substance use across racial groups. Future research should incorporate additional psychosocial variables and culturally tailored interventions to better address racial disparities in adolescent drug use.