Exploring The Impact of Bicultural Identity Integration on Alcohol Use Through Familism

Alcohol use is prevalent within Hispanic/Latinx U.S. emerging adults. Bicultural identity integration (BII) and familism, two salient sociocultural factors in Hispanic/Latinx communities, have complex associations with alcohol use that vary based on the contributions of cultural identities and family obligations. This study assesses the indirect pathway linking BII to alcohol use through familism among Hispanic/Latinx U.S. college students.

Data were collected from 290 Hispanic/Latinx undergraduate students at a public university in central Texas. Participants completed an online survey assessing demographics, sociocultural factors, mental well-being, and health behaviors. An indirect effects analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between two BII dimensions, BII harmony and BII blendedness, with familism, and alcohol use.

BII harmony did not have a direct effect on alcohol use but was positively associated with familism. Familism had a significant positive association with alcohol use. The indirect effect of BII on alcohol use through familism was significant.

These findings suggest that, while higher BII is associated with higher familism, the latter may contribute to increased alcohol use due to the stressors associated with familial obligations. This study underscores the complexity of cultural integration and its impact on health behaviors in Hispanic/Latinx emerging adults, highlighting the need for interventions that address both cultural and familial dynamics.