Family support and parental monitoring as protective factors in preventing depression and alcohol use among Mexican American adolescents

This secondary analysis of the ADD Health Study identified risk factors and mediators of depression and alcohol use in a sample of Mexican American adolescents residing across the United States. Risk factors of depression and alcohol use were examined including generational status, age, gender and socioeconomic status. Family support and parental monitoring were examined as protective factors against depression and alcohol use. Results showed that younger, second generation youth, females, and alcohol drinkers experienced higher levels of depression. Aspects of family support protected adolescent girls and youth who used alcohol from experiencing depression. Males and youth with higher rates of depression were at increased risk of using alcohol and drinking alcohol frequently. Aspects of parental monitoring buffered the effects of depression on alcohol use and frequency of alcohol use but did not mediate the effects of gender. Findings provide important theoretical and clinical implications for working with Mexican American youth.