The role of acculturative stress factors on mental health and help-seeking behavior of sub-Saharan African immigrants

Abstract

African immigrants to the United States are largely increasing in number. However, African immigrants' psychological health and help-seeking behavior remain understudied. J.W. Berry's acculturation theories suggest that immigrants' mental health can be negatively affected by their experience of biological and psychosocial difficulties related to acculturation. Data from a nationally representative study, the New Immigrant Survey, was utilized to examine how acculturation stress factors can predict depressive symptoms in a sub-Saharan African sample of 669 adults. The collectivistic nature of African culture suggests that family support is a critical element in the acculturation process, but family support was not found to be a predictor of help-seeking behavior. Results indicated that when birth country was controlled for, proficient English language skills and higher education level were predictive of increased help-seeking behavior. Additionally, English language proficiency was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that proficiency in host country's language serves as a protective factor against depressive symptoms, and English proficiency and higher educational attainment predict greater use of support systems in African immigrants.

Keywords:

• African immigrants
• help-seeking behavior
• acculturative stress
• mental health
• family support