Exploring Intergenerational Conflicts Association Among Cultural Values, Bicultural Identity Integration, And Alcohol Use Severity Within Hispanic College Student Drinkers

Hispanic college students are at higher risk of experiencing family conflict [i.e., intergenerational conflict (IGC)] and engaging in increased alcohol use as they begin adopting values aligned with higher education institutions. Furthermore, minoritized students often develop an additional cultural identity influenced by mainstream values, resulting in a form of biculturalism. Research has sought to understand the navigation of values and identity through the concept of Bicultural Identity Integration (BII). However, limited research has examined the effects of BII on cultural values, IGC, and subsequent alcohol use among Hispanic college students. The current study explored the direct and indirect effects of cultural values (i.e., Hispanic values and U.S. mainstream values) on alcohol use severity via IGC while considering the moderating effects of cultural harmony and blendedness among Hispanic college students. Findings from the present study indicated that Hispanic and U.S. mainstream cultural values were positively associated with alcohol use severity. Additionally, the seriousness of IGC was positively associated with alcohol use. Interestingly, IGC and BII had no indirect association or moderating effect on the relationships between cultural values and alcohol use severity. These findings emphasize the nuance role of cultural values in shaping risk of experiencing IGC and alcohol use. Findings highlight the interplays of cultural values may be influencing the risk for alcohol use, and that serious IGC can be problematic for students. Future studies should expand IGC and BII research and identify additional risk and protective factors that may contribute to IGC and long-term alcohol problems and/or dependence.