Understanding Acculturation, Depressive Symptoms, and the Protective Role of Family Involvement Among Latino(a) Immigrant Families

Abstract

Although the relationship between varying levels of acculturation and depressive symptoms has been established among Latino(a) youth, the positive role of family involvement in relation to depressive symptoms among immigrant Latino(a) families has been studied less. This study draws on a sample of first-generation Latino(a) youth from the Longitudinal Immigrant Student Adaptation Study and explores the relationship between acculturation levels and depressive symptoms, as well as the protective role of family involvement. Although results do not support a relationship between acculturation and depressive symptoms, family involvement was significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms while taking important sociodemographic variables into consideration. Research and practice implications with Latino(a) immigrant families are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• depressive symptoms
• acculturation
• Latino(a) adolescents
• family involvement

Notes

^a “Biculturalism” is an interaction term between acculturation and enculturation.

*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.