Assertiveness in Hispanic Adolescents: Relationship to Alcohol Use and Abuse

An investigation was carried out on the relation of assertiveness to use of alcohol among 3129 Hispanic junior high school students. Data were obtained through questionnaires administered in 47 public and parochial schools in New York City to 5501 students. An 18-item modified version of the Gambrill-Richey Assertiveness Inventory was used to assess assertiveness. Factor analysis of the inventory identified five assertiveness factors of substance awareness, mastery of cognitive skills, individual rights, dating, and social skills. Significant gender differences were observed. Multiple regression analysis showed that substance awareness was negatively associated with alcohol use while dating, social skills, and individual rights factors were positively associated with alcohol use. Acculturation with peers was also a significant predictor of alcohol use or abuse. The findings provide a basis for design of alcohol prevention programs that specifically focus on Hispanic youth.

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