Date of Graduation

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department

Psychology

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

Dellanira Garcia

Abstract

Substance use during adolescence remains a significant public health concern, particularly within Latino communities where cultural values, family dynamics, and communication patterns play a central role in youth development. This qualitative study explored how Latino parents communicate with their adolescent children about substance use, the strategies they use for prevention, and the cultural and contextual factors that shape these conversations. Using a focus group design, data was collected from four focus groups consisting of two groups of Latino mothers (n = 10) and two groups of Latino fathers (n = 9). A thematic analysis revealed six primary themes: (1) parent–child communication about substance use (subtheme: health consequences), (2) cultural values, (3) methods of substance use prevention, (4) Latino parents’ education about substance use, (5) Parental Perceptions of Adolescents’ Substance Use Knowledge (subtheme: social pressure), and (6) school involvement. Latino parents used a range of communication approaches, including direct conversations, indirect messaging through stories or observations, avoidance of discussions, and fear-based or warning-focused strategies. Both mothers and fathers expressed a strong desire for greater collaboration with schools and professionals to support early and consistent substance use education. Underscoring the complexity of substance use communication within Latino families and highlighting the need for culturally responsive, family-centered prevention interventions that strengthen parent communication skills, integrate cultural values, and promote collaboration among families, schools, and community systems. These results have important implications for clinical practice, prevention programming, and future research aimed at reducing substance use among Latino adolescents.

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