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Discrimination and Vaping Among Black and Hispanic Young Adults: Depression as Mechanisms of Influence and the Moderating Role of Family-Like Support

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Discrimination is a salient psychosocial stressor linked to both mental health challenges and substance use among racially minoritized populations. However, few studies have examined how perceived discrimination contributes to vaping device use and whether depressive symptoms and familial-like support shape this relationship. The present study tested a moderated mediation model in which depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between perceived discrimination and vaping behaviors, and familial-like support buffers both the direct and indirect pathways.Methods Data were drawn from the 22-year follow-up wave of the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), comprising 2130 Black and Hispanic young adults (Mage = 22.31, SD = 0.78; 53.4% female).Results Perceived discrimination was positively associated with depressive symptoms (B = 0.250, p < 0.001), which were in turn associated with greater odds of ever vaping (B = 0.186, p < 0.001; OR = 1.204). Depressive symptoms fully mediated the discrimination–vaping link (B = 0.046, 95% CI [0.032, 0.063]). Familial-like support was not a significant moderator of either direct or indirect effects.Conclusion These findings suggest that depressive symptoms are a key mechanism linking discrimination to vaping behaviors among Black and Hispanic young adults. Although familial-like support did not significantly moderate this process, it remains an important interpersonal resource that may foster resilience and emotional well-being. This study advances understanding of psychosocial mechanisms linking discrimination to vaping and underscores the need for culturally responsive interventions targeting racially and ethnically minoritized youth.

Source: Substance Use & Misuse

DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2026.2631160

Authors: Olanrewaju L. Lawal, Shanting Chen, Tennisha N. Riley

Institutions: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Racial and Ethnic Identity Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health