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Differences in Acculturation and Trajectories of Anxiety and Alcohol Consumption Among Latina Mothers and Daughters in South Florida

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Abstract

This study documents generational differences in the impact of acculturation related factors on anxiety and alcohol use behaviors between adult Latino mothers and adult daughters. Findings indicate that for mothers (n = 144) and daughters (n = 149), self-reported anxiety levels decreased from baseline to follow up (p = 0.001). For mothers at follow up (n = 147), results indicate that affiliation to Latino culture is negatively associated with anxiety (p = 0.018). Conversely, employment and partner relationship stress are positively associated with anxiety (p = 0.05 and p = 0.016 respectively). In addition, self-reported anxiety is positively associated with alcohol intake (p = 0.002) and employment (p = 0.007). For daughters(n = 149), partner relationship stressors, anxiety and alcohol intake decreased significantly from baseline to follow up at a p = 0.01, p = 0.01, p = 0.05 respectively. In addition, for daughters at baseline (n = 160), affiliation to U.S. culture is positively associated with self-reported anxiety (p = 0.01). Employment is negatively associated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.027). At follow up (n = 152), daughters’ partner relationship stress is positively associated with self- reported anxiety (p = 0.049). Findings in this study can be used to develop culturally appropriate interventions, support groups and individual therapy sessions by taking into consideration generational differences among Latino women.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by award number R01NR012150 from the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NINR or NIH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Covian Consulting, Inc, 3267 Progress Drive, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA

    Maritza Concha

  2. School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Florida International University, 30000 NE 151st Street, AC2, # 324, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA

    Maria Elena Villar

  3. CRUSADA, School of Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, PCA 356, Miami, FL, 33199, USA

    Mariana Sanchez, Patria Rojas & Mario De La Rosa

Authors
  1. Maritza Concha
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  2. Mariana Sanchez
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  4. Maria Elena Villar
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  5. Mario De La Rosa
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Correspondence to Maritza Concha.

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Concha, M., Sanchez, M., Rojas, P. et al. Differences in Acculturation and Trajectories of Anxiety and Alcohol Consumption Among Latina Mothers and Daughters in South Florida. J Immigrant Minority Health 18, 886–895 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-015-0277-y

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