Research Paper Summaries
In-depth Studies and Scholarly Contributions by Dr. Su Yeong Kim
Acculturation and daily cigarette use among Mexican-origin youth: The moderating role of executive functions
Summary: This mixed-methods study conducted by Han Wen, Kristine M. Molina, and Katharine H. Zeiders delves into how parental opioid use disorder (OUD) impacts Mexican-origin adolescents living in the United States. With the rising rates of opioid misuse among Latino communities, the research zeroes in on the effects of parental OUD on adolescent adjustment and family dynamics, all within a culturally relevant framework. The study combines quantitative survey data from 282 participants with qualitative interviews from 30 individuals to explore the emotional and behavioral outcomes for adolescents who have been exposed to parental opioid misuse. Some of the key outcomes examined include internalizing symptoms like anxiety and depression, externalizing behaviors, and academic performance. The quantitative results revealed that adolescents with a parent struggling with OUD reported significantly higher levels of both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, along with poorer academic performance. These issues were partly influenced by conflicts between parents and adolescents and a decrease in parental involvement, emphasizing how family relational stress can impact adolescent well-being. The qualitative insights added depth to these findings, uncovering themes such as stigma, secrecy, and emotional strain. Adolescents shared their challenges with the unpredictability of their parents’ behavior, feelings of shame about revealing the addiction, and the role reversals they experienced within their families, such as taking on caregiving duties. This study highlights the intergenerational and relational effects of opioid misuse, especially in immigrant families who face additional cultural and systemic challenges. It advocates for culturally sensitive interventions that tackle family conflict, enhance parent-child communication, and support the mental health and academic success of adolescents. Overall, this research provides a unique and crucial perspective on the experiences of Mexican-origin youth affected by parental OUD, offering valuable insights for treatment providers, educators, and policymakers.
Download PDF