Domains matter: A prospective investigation of traditional feminine gender roles and alcohol use among Latinas

J Ethn Subst Abuse. 2023;22(4):720-740. doi: 10.1080/15332640.2021.2011816. Epub 2021 Dec 14.

Abstract

Scholars suggest traditional feminine gender roles (TFGRs) influence alcohol use among U.S. Latinas, but relevant literature is limited. This two-wave study examined how multi-dimensional internal (i.e., beliefs) and external (i.e., practices) TFGR processes related to drinking among college-bound Latina emerging adults across time. TFGRs characterized by virtue predicted less alcohol engagement, while some TFGR dimensions (e.g., subordinate) predicted more. TFGR practices more strongly predicted cross-sectional alcohol outcomes than TFGR beliefs, although some TFGR beliefs predicted later drinking. These findings highlight the utility of assessing multiple TFGR dimensions and domains to better understand the link between TFGRs and drinking among Latinas.

Keywords: Hispanic; Latina; alcohol; gender roles; marianismo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking* / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking* / ethnology
  • Alcohol Drinking* / psychology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Femininity
  • Gender Role* / ethnology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / ethnology
  • Hispanic or Latino* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • United States / epidemiology