This study examines the relationships among risk factors, cultural assets, and mental health outcomes in Latino adolescents.
It extends previous research using a longitudinal design assessing acculturation effects across internalizing, externalizing, and academic engagement outcomes.
Sample included 281 Latino adolescents and one parent from various regions in North Carolina and Arizona.
Major findings include relationships between U.S. cultural involvement, humiliation, aggression, and school bonding.
Acculturation: A process resulting from contact between at least two cultural groups; includes:
Culture of Origin Involvement (Enculturation): Involvement in one's native culture.
U.S. Cultural Involvement (Assimilation/Americanization): Involvement in the dominant U.S. culture.
Importance of cultural involvement:
Parental involvement in U.S. culture correlated negatively with adolescent social problems, aggression, and anxiety.
Adolescents involved in their culture of origin show increased self-esteem and decreased hopelessness.
Negative Health Behaviors: Latino adolescents exhibit higher levels of risky behaviors compared to non-Hispanic peers.
Data from the CDC (YRBSS) shows higher rates of aggression and hopelessness among Latino youth.
Externalizing Behaviors:
Higher U.S. cultural involvement is linked to increased delinquency and aggression among Latino adolescents.
Prior studies confirm that adolescent, but not parent, acculturation affects behavior patterns.
Aggression and problem behaviors are more prevalent in higher acculturated groups.
Internalizing Problems and Self-esteem:
Lower acculturation and language barriers are associated with anxiety and self-directed violence.
Positive relationships between culture of origin involvement and self-esteem reported across multiple studies.
Low educational attainment is a significant concern for Latino youths:
Disparities noted among different Latino subgroups (e.g., Mexicans have lower educational attainment).
Bilingual youth show improved academic success and fewer behavioral issues.
Bicultural youth (fluent in both English and their native language) tend to have lower dropout rates than their peers.
Links between culture of origin involvement and positive self-esteem.
Empirical evidence shows positive relationships between ethnic identity and psychological well-being across various ethnic groups.
Cultura assets should be nurtured to enhance adolescent outcomes and guard against risks.
Length of time in the U.S. affects mental health positively (school bonding) and negatively (humiliation and aggression).
Adolescents displaying higher engagement in their culture of origin see improvements in self-esteem and reduced aggression.
Recommendations include:
Developing dual immersion programing that promotes cultural origins among U.S.-born adolescents.
Encouragement of parent cultural involvement linked with decreases in aggression and anxiety.
Highlighting importance of bicultural skills training programs to foster better adaptation and integration in immigrant families.