Hispanic and Anglo college women's risk factors for substance use and eating disorders

This study investigated the role of temperament style (Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance) of Hispanic American and Angle college women in moderating and mediating the relationship between family addiction/family functioning and offspring problem behaviors. The sample was comprised of 67 Hispanic American and 770 Angle undergraduate women. Findings of this study indicate that the processes of risk that lead to substance use and eating disorders follow different routes for Hispanic American and Angle women. Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance were found to be important factors in both moderating and mediating the effects of parental drinking and family dysfunction for both Hispanic and Angle college women. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.