ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2157-4989

Keywords

Alcohol Use Discrimination Hispanic/Latinx Alcohol Craving Emotional Disurbance

Abstract

Hispanic/Latinx drinkers are more likely to experience adverse alcohol-related consequences and have less access to treatment services. Research indicates that discrimination has a unique effect on drinking behaviors. The Minority Stress Model depicts how discrimination places individuals at a heightened risk for adverse health outcomes. Emotion regulation and alcohol craving are also known to impact alcohol use. This study investigated the impact of perceived discrimination on emotional disturbance, alcohol craving, and alcohol use using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). The following were proposed: H1: Emotional disturbance will predict alcohol craving in the moment (Level 1). H2: The association between perceived discrimination and alcohol craving will be mediated by emotional disturbance (Level 1). H3: Emotional disturbance will predict alcohol use via alcohol craving at the day level (Level 2). H4: The association between perceived discrimination and alcohol use will be mediated by emotional disturbance and alcohol craving (Level 2). Hispanic/Latinx individuals (n = 77) were recruited through social media and completed six brief assessments per day for 14 days on their mobile phone. Data were analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling. At the moment level, perceived discrimination was associated with emotional disturbance. Both perceived discrimination and emotional disturbance predicted alcohol craving. At the day level, perceived discrimination was positively associated with emotional disturbance, and emotional disturbance predicted alcohol craving and alcohol use. Indirect effects showed perceived discrimination to be related to alcohol craving and alcohol use. These results provide a nuanced understanding of the role both perceived discrimination and emotional disturbance play in alcohol pathology among Hispanic/Latinx drinkers.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Dvorak, Robert

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Clinical Psychology

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0028983

Language

English

Release Date

12-15-2024

Access Status

Dissertation

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

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