Language Orientation and Mental Health Status among Persons of Mexican Descent

This paper demonstrates that the relationship between language orientation and mental health varies by level of socioeconomic statuis. Amuong lower status Mexican Americans, whose language orienitation ranged primarily from exclusive Spanish use to the use of both languages equally, greater use of Spanish led to worse miienital health. Amuong higher status Chicanos, whose language orientation ranged primarily from exclusive English use to the use of both languages equally, greater use of English led to worse mental health. The major implication of this study is that Chicanos who incorporate behavioral aspects of American culture to the total exclusion of Mexican culture are less healthy while those who incorporate both cultures simultaneously are psychologically healthier.