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Examining Difference in Immigration Stress, Acculturation Stress and Mental Health Outcomes in Six Hispanic/Latino Nativity and Regional Groups

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Abstract

Little is known about the specific behavioral health impact of acculturation stressors that affect Hispanic/Latino immigrant sub-groups. These immigration-related stressors and traumatic events may have differential impact on depression depending on country/region of origin. Using a measure of immigration and acculturation stress, the current study sought to determine differences in the impact of stress on six sub-groups of Hispanic immigrants. Data on stress and depression were examined using a large, representative adult immigrant sample (N = 641). Controlling for age, gender and years in the US, factorial analysis of covariance revealed significant differences on total Hispanic Stress Inventory 2 (HSI2) stress appraisal scores based on country/region of origin. Pair wise comparisons between country/region of origin groups revealed that Mexicans had higher levels of stress compared to Cuban or Dominican immigrants. Several patterns of differential stress were also found within sub-domains of the HSI2. Using regression models, HSI2 stress appraisals and their interaction with country of origin proved to not be significant predictors of depression (PHQ9), while gender and age were significant. Differences in HSI2 stress that are based on nativity may be moderated by cultural resilience that ultimately serves a protective role to prevent the onset of depression.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities 2R44MD004792-02/Grant No. 10671624 to the first author and by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities Award U54MD002266 supporting the second author. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavioral Assessment, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA, USA

    Richard C. Cervantes

  2. University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

    Karina A. Gattamorta

  3. University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    Jodi Berger-Cardoso

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  1. Richard C. Cervantes
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  2. Karina A. Gattamorta
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  3. Jodi Berger-Cardoso
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Correspondence to Karina A. Gattamorta.

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Cervantes, R.C., Gattamorta, K.A. & Berger-Cardoso, J. Examining Difference in Immigration Stress, Acculturation Stress and Mental Health Outcomes in Six Hispanic/Latino Nativity and Regional Groups. J Immigrant Minority Health 21, 14–20 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0714-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0714-9

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