The role of family cohesion and cultural identification as moderators of sexual assault and internalizing and externalizing behaviors: A multiple groups analysis

American Indian adolescents experience sexual assault at higher rates compared to any other group in the United States. Internalizing behaviors, such as depression and lowered self-esteem, and externalizing behaviors, such substance use, are commonly observed after sexual assault has occurred. Minority stress theory posits that family cohesion and cultural identification are potential protective and moderating factors in the relationship between sexual assault and internalizing and externalizing behaviors. To examine these relationships, two studies utilizing the Drug Use Among Young American Indians: Epidemiology and Prediction study were conducted. Study 1 examined family cohesion and cultural identification as moderators of the relationship between sexual assault and internalizing behaviors. Study 2 examined family cohesion and cultural identification as moderators of the relationship between sexual assault and externalizing behaviors. Structural equation modeling and multiple groups analysis were utilized to examine the significance of these relationships and the invariance between a sample of American Indian (n = 1,291) and White (n = 696) female adolescents. Results indicated that family cohesion and cultural identification were not significant moderators for either study. No significant group differences in pathways were found in Study 1. However, family cohesion, cultural identification, and sexual assault were significant predictors of self-esteem and depression. In Study 2, group differences were found on every pathway except sexual assault—marijuana use and sexual assault—alcohol use. For the American Indian group, family cohesion, cultural identification, and sexual assault were significant predictors of marijuana and alcohol use. For the White adolescent group, family cohesion and sexual assault were significant predictors of marijuana and alcohol use. Clinical and research implications are discussed.