Adequate family functioning and dynamics has a vital role in shaping self-image and identity among the members of the family. However, the actual social functioning depends largely on cultural and ethnic background, family structure, sociological and psychological factors that vary significantly from one community to another (Smith & Stevens, 2013).
In this respect, high level of functioning among Hispanic families plays a pivotal role in decreasing the number of Hispanic adolescents consuming alcohol, drugs, and substances. Specifically, cultural image of a Hispanic family significantly influences self-image construction.
In this respect, it is necessary to define the peculiarities of Hispanic culture in terms of family structure traditions, gender role distributions, and influence of family problems on members’ substance abuse. In addition, specific emphasis should be placed on the analysis of such aspects as wholeness, change, and its influence on family members, particularly on Hispanic adolescents. Finally, it is also purposeful to define the corresponding approaches to treating family members.
Mouttapa et al. (2009) explore the connection between self-image and family functioning within the context of Hispanic culture. Specifically, the researchers argue, “…Hispanics score significantly lower than other ethnic groups in living up to one’s own expectations, living up to the expectation of others, and feelings of success” (p. 704). It is suggested that performance of specific behaviors is aimed at reaffirming a current self-image.
For instance, adolescents strive to enhance their week self-concept by taking up drinking, smoking, or consuming drugs. This low image, however, is strongly associated with poor family functioning. At this point, “…dysfunctional family structure, inadequate parenting discipline skills, lack of support from parents, and parental monitoring…are strongly associated with adolescents’ selection desire to fill a void and associate with substance-using friends” (Mouttapa et al., 2009, p. 704).
Social aspects also influence significantly the assimilation process of the Hispanic adolescents in the United States. These ethnic minority groups are significantly influenced by social environment. As a result, acculturation weaknesses family bonds, and enhances negative self-esteem because of the feeling of isolation.
There are a great number of socio-cultural challenges that Hispanic families should undergo during the assimilation process in a host country. Immigration process is among those because it negatively influences the process of shaping complex behavioral patterns of family reunification and fragmentation.
In the majority of cases, the Hispanic family history is immigration is connected with poverty in Latin America and search for better opportunity in the United States (Rothe, 2004). Therefore, many Hispanic families will have to face a number of families in their aspiration to fit the requirements of the host culture.
Marginalization is a kind of acculturation aimed at fighting against the spread of host culture and its influence on minority culture. Many marginalized groups, therefore, seek to preserve the origins, values, and traditions that are typical of their culture. Within a family context, marginalization can create problematic situations for children of marginalized parents because the latter encourage their children to adhere to the traditions of the ethnic ghetto.
Traditionally, parents strive to support their children who strive to go through the assimilation process, as well as challenges they face in a host culture. During the migration, these roles are often reversed. As a result, adolescent experience significant challenges because their parents are not able to create a consistent and strong holding setting that is necessary for normal psychological development of adolescents.
Identity transformation is another serious challenge that can become a problem during the treatment of adolescents consuming substance abuse. As a result, Hispanic adolescent “…may respond with passivity and depression, which in turn may lead to substance abuse” (Rothe, 2009, p. 259).
Alternatively, “the adolescent may develop and adversarial identity, standing in defiance of the majority culture” (Rothe, 2004, p. 259). In the majority of cases, adolescents who cannot overcome the stress of acculturation often join gangs that enhance their identity and support them in difficult situations. In such a manner, they are able to achieve solidarity, protection, and belonging.
Regarding the above-presented features of Hispanic adolescents, as well as the peculiarities of family composition, specific treatment should be used. The therapy of substance abuse among adolescents should be present-oriented in order to cope with current situation. During the first session, the therapist should define the problem and outline the goals with regard to the challenges that adolescent experience in a Hispanic environment (Rothe, 2004).
In particular, they should take into account the values and character traits of Hispanic parents, as well as the disparities in gender roles distributions. It is important for a physician to face cultural biases and understand how prejudice and stereotyping affect adolescents’ behaviors and their inclination to consume drugs. In case of failure to identify the cultural biases, there is a threat of cultural distancing between a patient and a doctor.
Economic and educational challenges should also be assessed before a therapist proceeds with treatment of Hispanic adolescents consuming drugs. In fact, these variables should be considered because it influences cultural beliefs and value systems. According to Rothe (2004), “failure to take these variables into account may lead to erroneous cultural oversimplification and stereotyping that will damage the therapeutic alliance” (p. 272). Therapists, therefore, should respect patients’ individuality to facilitate the therapeutic collaboration.
Apart from person-oriented approaches, family unit should also be prioritized as far as substance abuse treatment among Hispanic adolescents is concerned (Cannon & Levy, 2008). In this respect, two models of treatment can be recommended – strategic family therapy model and systems engagement technique. Apart from economic and educational problems, relations between parents and their children in Hispanic families can also create a serious stress factors that increases the rates of drug abuse among adolescents (Vasquez, 2009).
In this respect, therapists should thoroughly examine the atmosphere within the family, including their attitude to gender roles distributions, imposed responsibilities, and attitude to education. The therapists should be extremely sensitive to cultural, social, economical, and psychological issues because introduces intervention.
In conclusion, treating substance abuse adolescents originating from Hispanic families involves a complex set of factors that should be considered before the actual treatment. To begin with, the therapy should rely on belief system and cultural families cultivated within a Hispanic family that significantly differs from average American family (Smith & Stevens, 2013).
The acculturation process is closely connected with stresses that teenagers might experience because it might lead to the marginalization of ethnic minority groups. Second, family as a unit is crucial to consider first and the task of the therapist is to define how parent-child relations affect adolescents’ assimilation in a host culture. Finally, economic factors are not of the least importance because it influences education and social adaptation in a social environment.
References
Cannon, E., & Levy, M. (2008). Substance-Using Hispanic Youth and Their Families: Review of Engagement and Treatment Strategies. Family Journal, 16(3), 199.
Mouttapa, M., Weiss, J., & Hermann, M. (2009). Is Image Everything? The Role of Self-Image in the Relationship Between Family Functioning and Substance Use Among Hispanic Adolescents. Substance Use & Misuse, 44(5), 702-721.
Rothe, E. M. (2004). Hispanic Adolescents and Their Families Sociocultural Factors and Treatment Considerations. Adolescent Psychiatry, 28 251-278.
Smith, R. L., & Stevens, P. S. (2013). Substance abuse counseling: Theory and practice. Boston: Pearson.
Vasquez, M. T. (2009). Latino/a Culture and Substance Abuse. Journal of Ethnicity In Substance Abuse, 8(3), 301-313.