Substance Use and Perceived Discrimination Based on Socioeconomic Status - Adolescents in families with financial challenges are nearly twice as likely to smoke cigarettes or vape and are more likely to use substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, and illicit drugs than adolescents in households without such challenges. This study will add to our understanding of adolescent substance use by examining adolescents’ experiences based on financial challenges, such as being laughed at or teased. Studies with adults have shown that experiences based on financial challenges are positively associated with substance use. Yet, this line of inquiry has not been extended to adolescents, and this age is when the onset of substance use occurs making it particularly important to examine. To our knowledge, there is only one study that exists with adolescents, and it shows that adolescents with mothers who had experiences based on financial challenges were more likely to use tobacco products than their counterparts. Recognizing a gap in the field, the PI created a new conceptual model to guide researchers who are examining experiences based on financial challenges among adolescents. Then, the PI conducted preliminary research to support the model. Specifically, the PI’s research has shown that adolescents who had experiences based on financial challenges were more likely to use tobacco than their counterparts. However, we do not yet know if this association will remain with other substances, including alcohol, cannabis, and opioids, which are known to be harmful for adolescents. Thus, to contribute to this critically important topic, the proposed research will advance our knowledge with three specific aims: To (1) examine adolescents’ experiences based on financial challenges, (2) determine how experiences based on financial challenges are associated with substance use, including alcohol, cannabis, and opioids, and (3) investigate how associations between experiences based on financial challenges and substance use differ among adolescents. Providing new knowledge is critical for informing programs that reduce and prevent substance use by targeting experiences based on financial challenges. A mixed-methods study that includes interviews and surveys. Consistent with the R16 aims, students will be extensively involved. The PI’s track record with mentoring includes 100 students and 33 publications with student co-authors. Strategies to train students are planned.
