ACCULTURATION AND MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG HISPANICS
Open Access
- Author:
- Gazze, Caroline
- Area of Honors:
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Jennifer Van Hook, Thesis Supervisor
Jennifer Van Hook, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Kathryn Bancroft Hynes, Thesis Honors Advisor
Mayra Y Bamaca-Colbert, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- acculturation
mental health
Hispanics - Abstract:
- Acculturation is a process of adjusting to a new language, new customs and norms, unfamiliar rules and laws, and lifestyle changes. Hispanics whom have immigrated to our country make up a substantial part of our population and are likely experiencing the acculturation process. The immigrant paradox suggests that in spite of the low socioeconomic status experienced by many acculturating Hispanics, physical health and mortality outcomes are better than those of non- Hispanic whites. However, studies looking at the relationship between acculturation and mental health have been less clear. Numerous studies on acculturation have shown inconsistent results, some of which point to acculturation and positive mental health outcomes and others that point to acculturation and negative mental health outcomes. Some researchers suggest that having a bicultural identity, that is, identifying with both one’s origin and host culture smoothes the acculturation process and is a protective factor against negative mental health outcomes. Risk factors exist as well, particularly perceived discrimination, which can increase stress levels related to acculturation and negatively impact mental health. This study uses data collected from the MUSIC study to analyze the relationship between ethnic and American identities, discrimination, and depression among college students. Results revealed no relationship between ethnic and American identities and depression; however, discrimination was significantly related to depression among Hispanics. The experience of discrimination was also found to be worse for Hispanic men than Hispanic women.