Examining Couple Functioning and Alcohol use Among Latino Couples: A Dyadic Data Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: Prior research suggests that Latinos are at higher risk of alcohol use as compared to their counterparts (NSDUH, 2014). However, little work has been conducted to understand alcohol use among Latinos systemically and more research is needed to better understand the impact of couple functioning on alcohol use among Latino couples. Objectives: The current study aimed to examine how each partner's perception of couple functioning impacted alcohol use in Latino dyads.Methods: Using data from 329 Latino dyads from the Building Strong Families (BSF) Project, a structural equation model examining the actor-partner interactions between partner perceptions of couple functioning and each person's alcohol use was analyzed. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that the dyad's perceptions of couple functioning were positively correlated. Results from the APIM model indicated male's perceptions of couple functioning was positively associated with his own alcohol use, whereas female's perceptions of couple functioning was not significantly related to either partner's alcohol use. Conclusions/Importance: The findings may help clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to better conceptualize how couple functioning may impact alcohol use among Latino dyads.