The Influence of Alcohol-Related Stereotypes on Inhibitory Control of Eastern European Immigrants and Non-Immigrant Americans

Abstract

The pervasive issue of alcohol dependence affects diverse demographic groups across the United States, including its sizable immigrant population, notably with European immigrants displaying elevated rates of alcohol and substance abuse. Negative stereotypes surrounding alcohol dependence lack factual basis and contribute to stigma within social, healthcare, and media, exacerbating challenges for affected individuals and communities. This study investigated the impact of alcohol-related stereotypes on inhibitory control cognition among Eastern European immigrants and non-immigrant Americans. Using a cross-cultural approach and a quasi-experimental design, the study explored how stereotype threat influenced inhibitory control, particularly among Eastern European immigrants living in the United States. The stereotype threat condition involved a manipulation that linked drinking behavior with impaired inhibitory control, while the control condition focused on the influence of contextual factors without exposing participants to negative stereotypes. Participants completed both Cued and Alcohol Go/No-Go tasks alongside self-report measures of alcohol use and demographics. It was hypothesized that both groups would show diminished inhibitory control under stereotype threat, with greater impairments anticipated among Eastern Europeans. The results provided limited evidence supporting this hypothesis. However, significant associations were found between alcohol consumption, related consequences, and drinking motives, especially within the non-immigrant American group. These findings hope to shed light on the important topic of looking through a cultural lens and psychological context in understanding substance use and highlight directions for future research and stigma-reducing interventions.