Perceived discrimination and anxiety sensitivity in terms of alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and drinking coping motives among racially/ethnically minoritized college students.

Introduction

Across the college student population within the United States (U.S.), alcohol misuse is a problematic addictive behavior. However, there is limited knowledge about the social determinants of health and individual difference factors related to alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and coping motives for drinking among racial/ethnic minority college students. The present study investigated the singular and interactive effects of perceived racial/ethnic discrimination and anxiety sensitivity in relation to alcohol consumption, alcohol-related problems, and coping motives for drinking among racial/ethnic minority university students.

Methods

Participants included 734 (82.30% female, Mage = 21.85 years, SD = 4.53 years) university students.

Results

Results demonstrated that perceived racial/ethnic discrimination and anxiety sensitivity were each statistically significant predictors for alcohol-related problems and coping motives for drinking, but not alcohol consumption. Discussion: This work highlights the importance of considering social determinants of health and anxiety sensitivity in efforts to better understand alcohol-related problems among minority university students.