WHAT IS THIS STUDY ABOUT?
The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of cultural stressors on alcohol/drug use and other risky behaviors via physiological stress responses among Hispanic adolescents in Austin and Los Angeles Counties. This study will also identify protective mechanisms that could offset the effects of cultural stressors on physiological stress responses, alcohol/drug use, and risky behaviors.
WHY CONDUCT THIS STUDY?
Hispanic youth face the challenge of keeping their cultural heritage and adopting a new culture. This challenge and the increasingly anti-Hispanic attitudes in the United States have created a stressful environment for Hispanic youth. In addition, youth ages 12-17 are at a key age for development and onset of alcohol/drug use and other risky behaviors. It is important to understand the impact of cultural stressors on Hispanic youth so we can learn how to intervene and target those stressors.
WHAT DO WE PLAN TO DO?
We are inviting youth ages 12-17 to participate in our 3-yearlong study. Students will be asked to participate in an “assessment” twice per year for three years. Each assessment will take four days and will include survey questionnaires, diary entries, and saliva samples. We will compensate students $20 for completing each assessment. All information will be kept safe and confidential. We won’t reveal information about your child’s specific answers to you or the school or the government. We will never include your child’s name when reporting our findings.