DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/H06D-AM17
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Rosalie Corona
Abstract
Abstract
A RÍO REVUELTO, GANANCIA DE PESCADORES: LONGITUDINAL INSIGHTS INTO CULTURAL AND NEUROCOGNITIVE RESILIENCE PATHWAYS AGAINST RISKY SUBSTANCE USE COGNITIONS IN LATINÉ YOUTH FACING ADVERSITY
By Melissa Avila, M.S.
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2025
Director: Rosalie Corona, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Department of Psychology
Substance use patterns in childhood are essentially nonexistent, but experimentation and initiation may occur during the transition to preadolescence (ages 9 to 13 years, late elementary to middle school grades). Preadolescence substance use initiation can have long-term negative effects on academic, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Even when substance use initiation is delayed, the transition from childhood to preadolescence is often characterized by initial thoughts or substance use cognitions, such as positive attitudes toward experimentation. Not all youth are equally susceptible; those with an increased risk of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and potentially traumatic events (PTEs) (e.g., family member deportation) are particularly vulnerable. While prior research has focused mainly on white populations in limited geographic areas, it is important to examine protective factors among Latiné youth across the U.S.
This study investigated neurocognitive and cultural factors that might buffer the relationship between ACEs and substance use cognitions in Latiné youth (ages 9–13) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study (ABCD Study®). Higher ACE exposure predicted stronger positive expectations of alcohol use and increased intentions to use marijuana over time. Crystallized intelligence, executive functioning, generational status, and language use moderated these relationships. However, neurocognitive functioning provided more consistent short-term protection than cultural factors. Missing data (up to 46.9%) were addressed via multiple imputation, a suitable method for large longitudinal datasets when using structural equation modeling. Findings highlight the need to explore early cognitive and cultural interventions that may mitigate substance-related risks in Latiné youth exposed to adversity.
Keywords: ABCD Study, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Latiné youth, neurocognitive, culture, substance use cognitions
Rights
© Melissa Avila
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-9-2025
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons