This research is focused on understanding the role of gender and culture in the development of substance use and mental health. One study focuses on the often cited but poorly understood over-representation of crack/cocaine use (compared to other drugs) among females in low income settings. A more recent study recent identified classes of binge drinkers among Asian American college students, and another study highlighted the salient role of gender socialization (e.g., masculinity and femininity) on heavy drinking patterns among college students.
Iwamoto, D. K., Corbin, W., & Fromme, K. (in press). Trajectory classes of heavy episodic drinking among Asian American college students. Addiction.
Corbin, W., Iwamoto, D. K., & Fromme, K. (accepted). Social motives, heavy drinking, and related problems: Mechanisms of risk from high school to college. Addictive Behaviors.
Iwamoto, D. K. & Liu, W. M. (2010). The impact of racial identity, ethnic identity, Asian values and race-related stress on Asian Americans well being. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57, 79-91.
Iwamoto, D. K., Liao, L. & Liu, W. M. (2010). Masculine norms, avoidant coping and depressive symptoms among Asian American men. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 11, 15-24.
Lejuez, C. W., Bornovalova, M. A., Reynolds, E. R., Daughters, S. B., & Curtin, J. J. (2007). Risk factors in the relationship between gender and crack/cocaine. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 15, 165-175.
White, T., L., Lejuez, C. W., & de Wit, H. (2007). Personality and gender differences in effects of d-amphetamine on risk taking. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 15, 599-609.
Liu, W. M., & Iwamoto, D.K. (2007). Conformity to masculine norms, Asian values, coping strategies, peer group influences and substance use among Asian American men. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 8, 25-39.
Liu, W. M., & Iwamoto, D. K. (2006). Asian American men's gender role conflict, distress, self-esteem, and Asian values. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 7, 153-164.
Hendershot, C.S., MacPherson, L., Myers, M.G., Carr, L.G., & Wall, T.A. (2005). Psychosocial, cultural and genetic influences on alcohol use in Asian American youth. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 66, 185-195.
Read, J. P., Wood, M. D., Lejuez, C. W., Palfai, T. P., & Slack, M. (2004). Gender, alcohol consumption and differing alcohol expectancy dimensions in college drinkers. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 12, 298-308.
Iwamoto, D. K., & Liu, W. M. (accepted). An exploratory model of substance use among Asian American college women. College Student Journal.