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Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 6/2016

01-12-2016

Personality and Substance Use in Mexicans and Mexican-Americans

Authors: Alfonso Mercado, Darrin L. Rogers, Cecilia Colunga Rodriguez, Delia Villarreal, Antonio Terracciano, Kim Nguyen-Finn

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Within the theoretical framework of the five-factor model of personality, existing research identifies personality profiles significantly related to certain at-risk behaviors, such as substance use and poor health outcomes. Among Latinos, there is limited knowledge on whether personality traits are associated with substance use behaviors. This study uses a sample of Mexican (N = 323) and Mexicans American (N = 1,143) participants to examine the interplay of culture and personality differences in relation to substance use and alcohol dependence. Mexican Americans reported higher use of cocaine and marijuana, while Mexicans were more likely to report cigarette smoking. Lower Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were associated with a higher likelihood of substance use and alcohol dependence. Higher Extraversion was associated with higher likelihood of substance use, Openness with marijuana use, and for Neuroticism the associations differed across cultural groups and drug-type used. The study identified cross-cultural communalities and differences in personality traits related to drug use and dependence.
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Metadata
Title
Personality and Substance Use in Mexicans and Mexican-Americans
Authors
Alfonso Mercado
Darrin L. Rogers
Cecilia Colunga Rodriguez
Delia Villarreal
Antonio Terracciano
Kim Nguyen-Finn
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-016-9639-5

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