Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9897-7888

Defense Date

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Oswaldo Moreno

Second Advisor

Dr. Caroline O. Cobb

Third Advisor

Dr. Adrian J. Bravo

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Daniel Gutierrez

Fifth Advisor

Dr. Rosalie Corona

Abstract

Early tobacco use among Latine adolescents represents a critical public health concern, with 23.8% reporting current use and exceeding rates among other racial/ethnic groups (Birdsey et al., 2023; Gaddy et al., 2022). This early initiation elevates risks for nicotine dependence and related morbidity in adulthood (Tsao et al., 2023). Guided by Structural Ecosystems Theory (Szapocznik & Coatsworth, 1999) and contemporary grounded theory analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; Charmaz, 2006; Noble & Mitchell, 2016), this study examined multilevel influences on nicotine-related attitudes among Latine youth, including: (1) familial factors (i.e., parental monitoring, caregiver-youth communication), (2) cultural dynamics (i.e., cultural values and caregiver-youth value discrepancies), and (3) external systems (i.e., peer networks, media exposure, and sociopolitical stressors; Office of the Surgeon General, 2024). Using qualitative interviews with 10 parents and 12 adolescents (N = 22) located in Virginia, we identified factors that may deter initiation or de-escalate early use before progression to regular use or dependence. Findings illustrate that Latine youth's attitudes toward nicotine products are shaped by an interconnected system of cultural values, family dynamics, developmental processes, and external stressors that either influence or deter youth nicotine use. These findings align with and extend Structural Ecosystems Theory and Minority Stress Theory frameworks. Implications and future directions for prevention work and research are discussed herein.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

8-6-2026

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