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Ethnic Identity as a Predictor of Non-Medical Prescription Drug Misuse among a College Population

Carter, James R
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron149149075569801

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Arts, University of Akron, Sociology.
Non-medical prescription drug (NMPD) misuse remains a persistent problem on college campuses. This study examines NMPD use within the context of ethnic identity theory, a component of Social Identity Theory. We propose that a stronger sense of ethnic identity may reduce the likelihood of NMPD use among college students due to ethnic identity’s ties to self-esteem and self-efficacy. We also propose that the protective power of ethnic identity may vary according to one’s race. Data for this study was collected from a survey of undergraduate students at a Midwestern university, with a final sample size of 544. Poisson regression analysis was used to test the relationship between ethnic identity and NMPD use. Results indicate that a stronger sense of ethnic identity can reduce the frequency of prescription drug abuse among young adults. The findings also indicate that the relationship between ethnic identity and prescription drug abuse is moderated by race. Ethnic identity was found to be a protective factor for nonwhite participants only. This study suggests that a sense of ethnic belonging may act as a protective factor against the use of prescription drugs among young adults. These findings build upon our understanding of ethnic identity and substance abuse, while indicating potential directions for intervention programs.
Robert Peralta (Advisor)
Juan Xi (Committee Member)
Richard Adams (Committee Member)
45 p.
Criminology; Public Health; Sociology
ethnic identity, prescription drug use, college students

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Carter, J. R. (2017). Ethnic Identity as a Predictor of Non-Medical Prescription Drug Misuse among a College Population [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron149149075569801

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Carter, James. Ethnic Identity as a Predictor of Non-Medical Prescription Drug Misuse among a College Population. 2017. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron149149075569801.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Carter, James. "Ethnic Identity as a Predictor of Non-Medical Prescription Drug Misuse among a College Population." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron149149075569801

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron149149075569801
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© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.