Risk of heavy drinking among sexual minority adolescents: indirect pathways through sexual orientation-related victimization and affiliation with substance-using peers

• DOI: 10.1111/add.13409
• Publication Date: 2016-03-28T10:52:56Z
• Authors: Sarah S. Dermody; Michael P. Marshal; Chad M. Burton; Deena J. Chisolm
• Keywords: Socialization; Longitudinal Study

To test two indirect pathways through which sexual minority adolescents (SMAs) may be at risk for heavy episodic drinking (HED) including a socialization pathway via substance-using peer affiliations and social marginalization minority-specific victimization subsequent affiliations.Analysis of the first three waves (6 months apart) longitudinal adolescent health study (2011-14). Participants were referred by medical providers or screening system in providers' waiting rooms.Two large urban clinics Pennsylvania Ohio, USA.A total 290 (ages 14-19 years, mean: 17.08) who 71.0% female, 33.4% non-Hispanic white 34.5% SMAs.Self-reported status (wave 1) affiliation with peers (waves 1 2), latent sexual-minority specific 2) HED 3) variables.Using mediation analyses structural equation modeling framework, there was significant effect on [wave 2; = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01, 0.07], after accounting sexual-orientation related 0.10, CI 0.02-0.19). The not supported, as associated β - 0.04, P 0.66). Sex differences effects detected (Ps > 0.10).Sexual United States appear to exhibit increased an pathway, concurrent involving minority-related victimization. operate similarly boys girls.