Effects of Acculturation and Psychopathology on Sexual Behavior and Substance use of Suicidal Hispanic Adolescents

Two theoretical constructs of acculturation were compared across adolescent risk behaviours in a sample of 116 consecutively referred suicidal adolescent females who were assessed on diagnostic, acculturative, & risk behaviour instruments. Heirarchical regressions were carried out separately for sexual behaviour & substance use. Biculturalism & substance use were uniquely associated with sexual intercourse. High acculturation & pscyhopathology as a block were associated with greater use of substances. Results suggest acculturative status is an important indicator of high-risk activity & may vary across behavioural contexts. (67 refs.)