Examining Cultural Identification and Alcohol Use Among American Indian and Caucasian College Students

Previous research consistently concludes American Indians (AI) demonstrate higher levels of alcohol use than Caucasians (CA); however, recent research suggests AIs may be drinking at similar or lower rates than CAs. Little research has examined cultural identification as a contributing factor to alcohol use. This study sought to examine cultural identification and its relationship to alcohol use between AI and CA college students. Participants consisted of 56 AI and 87 CA college students who selfreported on past 6-month alcohol consumption and how they culturally identified per the Orthogonal Theory of Biculturalism. CAs reported a significantly higher average daily alcohol consumption than AIs who identified as Marginal, Traditional, and Assimilated. This research represents a compelling anecdotal and empirical socio-cultural paradigm shift from the "AIs drink more" mindset among college students. Further, understanding the relationship between cultural identification and alcohol use enhances assessment, diagnostic, and intervention efforts for both AIs and CAs.