Examination of a drinking to cope pathway: Comparisons between Latine, Black and White young adults

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Project Summary Previous studies show that Black and Latine individuals experience alcohol-related problems at higher rates than White individuals. Research investigating the driving mechanisms that contribute to these inequities is nascent. Within predominately White samples, differential response to alcohol, stress, and coping motives (drinking to cope with stress/negative mood) have been studied as separate risk factors. The proposed supplement falls within the scope of the ongoing R01 by identifying the structural and social determinants of inequities in alcohol problems for Black (R01) and Latine (supplement) individuals. The proposed research will elucidate both common and unique experiences for minoritized racial and ethnic populations that experience high levels of structural and interpersonal discrimination and downstream stress exposures. The proposed supplement will utilize the R01 procedures and existing infrastructure: a within-subjects lab-based alcohol administration and a 17-day ecological momentary assessment period to examine alcohol response, discrimination, stress, drinking motives, and alcohol use and problems. This project will be the first to examine the anxiolytic effects of alcohol in relation to coping motives and ultimately alcohol-related problems for Latine individuals. The proposed supplement accomplishes the NIH goal of promoting diversity in health-related research by providing the candidate opportunities for comprehensive training in health equity and alcohol research. The candidate’s training will consist of the following components that will best prepare her for the next step in her process of attending graduate school: conceptual knowledge of alcohol research and inequities in alcohol problems, applied alcohol research skills, understanding of health equity research through existing literature and community-engaged approaches (bimonthly community partnership meetings), and professional development. These components of the mentoring plan will be accomplished through individual weekly meetings, directed readings, weekly lab meetings, biweekly journal clubs, conference attendance and presentations, monthly meetings with an internal consultant with expertise in Latine health and acculturation processes, and monthly seminars. This proposed research supplement will provide the candidate opportunities to expand her research skills in alcohol use, health equities, and engagement with the Latine community, while simultaneously expanding upon the research currently being conducted under the ongoing R01.