Dissertation
Understanding relationships and experiences of race-related stress, historical loss, social support, and substance misuse among Black young adults
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001946
Abstract
Background: The development of substance use disorders (SUD) in college students has been a significant public health issue and rates of SUD have risen substantially over the past five years. For Black young adults in the United States, experiences of racism and race-related stress are also linked to higher substance use. Minority stress theory explains how a hostile and oppressive culture causes stressors and disparities in health for minority groups. The overarching goal of the present study was to examine relationships between experiences of historical loss, race-related stress, social support, and the use of alcohol or marijuana. Method: A mixed-method convergent design was used to gather survey (N = 128) and interview (N = 20) data examining the links between race-related stress, historical loss, social support, and substance use. Results: Race-related stress was associated with alcohol use, and historical loss was associated with both alcohol and marijuana use. We also found that social support moderated the relationship between historical loss and alcohol use. In that higher experiences of historical loss and high social support were related to high alcohol consumption and low experiences of historical loss and high social support were related to low alcohol consumption. Data integration yielded three themes: 1. Experiences of racism are related to health. 2. Historical loss is prevalent and impacts Black young adults' well-being. 3. Social support is a coping mechanism for historical loss, race-related stress, and alcohol use. Conclusion: For Black young adults, there shows a possibility that experiences of race-related stress and historical loss may have increased substance use. Social support is a critical coping mechanism for historical loss and alcohol use. Specifically, parents sharing their experiences of navigating historical loss and providing empathy and support to their children is particularly valuable. The findings highlight the importance of examining race-related stress, historical loss, and social support further to challenge systemic issues, interpersonal discrimination, and historical trauma and their impact on the use of substances. Keywords: race-related stress, historical loss, social support, substance use
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Details
- Title
- Understanding relationships and experiences of race-related stress, historical loss, social support, and substance misuse among Black young adults
- Creators
- Dara McDowell
- Contributors
- Jessica Chou (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 52 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Counseling and Family Therapy; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021819014104721