Crichlow, Queenisha J.Banks, Devin E.Carson, IanFisher, SycarahBarnes-Najor, Jessica V.Zapolski, Tamika C. B.2025-01-292025-01-292024Crichlow QJ, Banks DE, Carson I, Fisher S, Barnes-Najor JV, Zapolski TCB. Racial discrimination and substance use among African American youth: Personal and collective self-esteem as mechanisms. J Ethn Subst Abuse. 2024;23(1):58-71. doi:10.1080/15332640.2022.2050873https://hdl.handle.net/1805/45589Little is known about the mechanisms of the relationship between racial discrimination and substance use among Black youth. The current study examined the role of collective self-esteem and personal self-esteem in this relationship among Black adolescents in grades 5 through 12 (N = 1514; 57% female). Regression analyses estimated direct effects of perceived racial discrimination on substance use and indirect effects of discrimination on substance use through personal and collective self-esteem. Controlling for grade and sex, results revealed significant indirect effects such that experiences of discrimination were positively associated with substance use through lower reports of collective and personal self-esteem. Findings suggest that bolstering personal and race-related esteem may mitigate the deleterious influence of discrimination among Black youth.en-USPublisher PolicyRacial discriminationAdolescenceRacial identitySelf-esteemSubstance useArticle