Epilogue for the special issue on sociocultural factors and mechanisms in alcohol use: Epidemiology, prevention, and intervention among ethnic minority groups: Lessons learned.

Abstract

The research articles in this special issue edited by Zamboanga and Lui focus on sociocultural factors and processes that underlie ethnic disparities in alcohol use in the United States. Major ethnic minority groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics are included. Contributors to this special issue present their research findings and draw implications for research, theory, and intervention. The focus is clearly needed. We know enough to say that serious alcohol-use disparities exist; finding effective solutions to these problems is vitally important, especially in our increasingly diverse society; and much more research is needed. Priority for ethnic minority research has increased because of the growing ethnic diversity of the nation; concerns over disparities, social justice, and the welfare of minority populations; and increasing political clout of different minority groups. Nevertheless, greater efforts are needed to address research inadequacies and those programs and policies that affect the mental health of various ethnic minority groups. What have we learned from these articles? To address this question, it is important to have a context for viewing the research. In this context, I make three major points. First, the social sciences in general and psychology in particular have not traditionally embraced the importance of culture. Consequently, conducting ethnic minority research has been difficult. Second, the significance of ethnicity and culture in alcohol use is undeniable. The real task is to understand the complexities in ethnic alcohol use. Third, in addition to culture, ethnic minority groups have minority status in our society that affects all facets of alcohol use and its consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).