Acculturation-related factors, peer influences, and substance use trajectories among Mexican-heritage juvenile offenders

This study examined the potential risk and protective effects of acculturation and enculturation related factors on substance use among Mexican-heritage male juvenile offenders. Drawing on acculturation theory, differential association theory, and social learning theory, this study investigated whether English language use, Anglo ethnic affiliation (acculturation related factors), Spanish language use and Mexican ethnic affiliation (enculturation related factors) influenced offenders' substance use trajectories after accounting for peer influences favorable toward use. Data came from a large-scale longitudinal study of serious juvenile offenders' desistance from crime in two metropolitan areas conducted by researchers from several universities. Surveys were administered at several points in time beginning in late 2000 and ending in 2005, resulting in a total of 9 observations for each respondent. The sample utilized in this study consisted of 313 Mexican-heritage male offenders from one of the data collection sites. This secondary data analysis included latent growth curve analyses to examine the effects of the acculturation and enculturation-related variables on alcohol use and marijuana use trajectories. Results show that English language use and Anglo ethnic affiliation were not predictive of alcohol or marijuana use before or after accounting for antisocial peer influences. Spanish language use was negatively associated with initial levels of marijuana use and Mexican ethnic affiliation was positively associated with initial levels of marijuana use and changes in use over time before controlling for peer influences. Mexican ethnic affiliation was the only cultural factor that had an effect on marijuana use after taking peer influences into account. Implications for the development of culturally sensitive treatment programs for Latino juvenile offenders are discussed.