Self-determination, perceived approval, and drinking: Differences between Asian Americans and Whites

► Motivation, norms, and drinking among Asian Americans and Whites were evaluated. ► Asian Americans were significantly higher in controlled orientation but drank less. ► Asian Americans also viewed close others as being less approving of drinking. ► Controlled orientation and drinking were mediated by peer norms for Whites only. ► Results aid in understanding cultural differences in drinking for these two groups.