Torres et al 2012

Aim

to investigate how acculturative sy=trategy influences the effects of discrimination on mental health

Methods

correlational study on Latinos, some of them born in US and some born abroad. -questionnaires measuring: (1)perceived discrimination (2)acculturative distress connected to language use (3)psychological distress (depression, anxiety etc.) (4)language integration into the US culture

Results

correlations: -high levels of perceived discrimination = high levels of acculturative stress; -high levels of acculturative stress = high levels of psychological distress.

Conclusions

-the more integrated the Latino the lower the levels of acculturative stress caused by discrimination, and hence psychological distress.

Strengths

• high ecological validity,
  -big sample increases validity

Limitations

-non generalizable (tests only latinos in USA)
-correlational study (bidirectional ambiguity)
-only based on surveys, didn't account for variability in participants' cultures - latino is a very general term, assumed that distress in use of language is caused by acculturative distress (and not by other factors such as shyness or linguitic abilities etc.)