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Type of Document Dissertation Author Cislo, Andrew M. URN etd-10042007-110448 Title Psychological Distress among Cuban and Colombian Immigrants in Miami: Considering the Roles of Acculturation and Ethnic Discrimination Degree Doctor of Philosophy Department Sociology, Department of Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title John Taylor Committee Chair Donald A. Lloyd Committee Member R. Jay Turner Committee Member Rebecca Miles Committee Member Keywords
- Psychological Distress
- Depressive Symptoms
- Discrimination
- Acculturation
- Miami
- Florida
- Cuban
- Colombian
- Hispanic
- Immigration
- Immigrant Adaptation
- Functional Activity Limitations
- Activity Limitations
- Physical Disability
- Disability
- Mental Health
- Latino
- Ethnic Discrimination
- Racial Discrimination
- Distress
- Depression
Date of Defense 2007-09-18 Availability unrestricted Abstract Although researchers concerned with Hispanic American mental health have long recognized the roles of acculturation and ethnic discrimination in shaping health, many questions remain about the conditions under which these factors have their influence. To what extent do acculturation and discrimination matter for Hispanic American health in US contexts with strong Latin cultures? Can acculturation and ethnic discrimination explain Hispanic subgroup variation in distress? Using data from the Physical Challenge and Health study, the current investigation examines the roles of five dimensions of acculturation as well as perceived ethnic discrimination in predicting depressive symptoms among Colombian and Cuban adult immigrants in Miami (N=451). Cuban and Colombian immigrants represent an interesting comparison in this context because of similar reasons for migration and because both groups are relatively high in SES in comparison with other Hispanic immigrant groups. Results indicate that Colombian immigrants report higher mean levels of psychological distress than Cuban immigrants. While the indicators of acculturation together attenuate the observed elevation in Colombian distress relative to Cubans to some extent, there is a differential influence of level of American orientation across groups on distress. Specifically, stronger American orientation is beneficial for Cuban immigrant health but detrimental for Colombian immigrant health. Also, stronger ethnic identity is associated with less distress across immigrant groups. However, preference for socializing with others from within one’s ethnic group is associated with more distress. Finally, perceived ethnic discrimination is associated with higher levels of distress net of all dimensions of acculturation, social status considerations, and difficulties with the performance of functional activities. These findings support the conclusion that acculturation and discrimination are universal factors in Hispanic American mental health and reinforce the importance of assessing the independent contributions of multiple dimensions of acculturation in the study of Hispanic American mental health.Files
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