Acculturative Stress, Resiliency Factors, and Depressive Symptoms in Latino/a/e Emerging Adult Immigrants: Differences by College Attendance Status

Introduction Various forms of acculturative stress and resiliency factors have been associated with depressive symptoms among Latino/a/e emerging adult (EA) immigrants. However, studies have generally not accounted for college attendance status, which may differentially expose immigrants to U.S. institutions. To address this gap, we examine relationships among acculturative stress, resiliency factors, and depressive symptoms among Latino/a/e emerging adult (EA) immigrants, considering college attendance status. Methods Using cross-sectional data from a study of Latino/a/e immigrant health in the Southeastern United States, we examined relationships between self-reported acculturative stress, resiliency factors, and depressive symptoms, as well as differences by college attendance status. Our sample included Latino/a/e EA immigrants (n = 66), who averaged 22.5 years old and 11 years living in the United States. Most were female (64%), from Mexico (39.4%), and attended college (64%). Results Discrimination-, occupational/economic-, family-, and immigration-related acculturative stress were positively associated with depressive symptoms, while social support and ethnic pride were negatively associated with depressive symptoms for the whole sample. College attendees experienced higher discrimination stress compared to non-college attendees. Conclusions There is a need for strategies to mitigate experiences with interpersonal discrimination and structural racism within higher education for Latino/a/e EAs.