The relationship between social and cultural factors and mental health outcomes among middle-aged and older Latino and Hispanic immigrants

Abstract

The present study investigated the prevalence of exposure to traumatic events, and the relationship between trauma, acculturative stress, and protective social and cultural factors on mental health outcomes among aging Latino and Hispanic immigrants. In this cross-sectional study, 80 middle-aged and older (M = 54 years, SD = 7) Latino or Hispanic immigrants (51% male) living in the United States completed a series of questionnaires in Spanish. We performed multiple regression analyses to examine risk and protective factors for mental health outcomes. The results indicated that 86% of our participants reported experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime (M = 5, SD = 6). Higher acculturative stress was associated with greater symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Greater levels of family support were found to be linked with lower symptoms of psychological distress, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The cumulative exposure to traumatic events and acculturative stress across the lifespan impacts the mental health of aging Latino immigrants. Family support is an important protective factor for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to consider in the development of effective and culturally appropriate interventions for middle-aged and older Latino/Hispanic immigrants.