Joseph D. Hovey

Acculturative stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in Mexican immigrants

This study examined the relationship among acculturative stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in a sample of Mexican immigrants. Also examined were variables that predict depression and suicidal ideation. Multiple regression analyses revealed that acculturative stress significantly predicted depression and suicidal ideation and that family support, social support, religiosity, agreement with the decision to migrate, and expectations for the future were significant predictors of depression and suicidal ideation. The overall findings suggest that adult Mexican immigrants who experience elevated levels of acculturative stress may be at risk for experiencing critical levels of depression and suicidal ideation. The findings highlight the importance of using culturally relevant clinical methods when assessing and treating the depressed and potentially suicidal acculturating individual.

Acculturative stress, anxiety, and depression among Mexican immigrant farmworkers in the midwest United States.

No previous studies have examined the psychological functioning of immigrant farmworkers in the midwest United States. The purposes of the present study were threefold: (1) to assess the prevalence levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of Mexican immigrant farmworkers in the midwest United States; (2) to explore the relationships among acculturative stress, anxiety, and depression; and (3) to examine the variables that best predict anxiety and depression. The overall sample revealed elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Immigrant farmworkers with heightened levels of acculturative stress reported high levels of anxiety and depression. Family dysfunction, ineffective social support, low self-esteem, lack of choice in the decision to immigrate and live a migrant farmworker lifestyle, high education levels, and low levels of religiosity were significantly associated with high levels of anxiety and depression. The overall findings suggest that Mexican immigrant farmworkers who experience elevated levels of acculturative stress may be “at risk” for experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. The findings highlight the importance of establishing prevention and treatment services for migrant farmworkers that aim to increase levels of emotional support, self-esteem, and coping skills.

Evaluating Short-Form Versions of the CES-D for Measuring Depressive Symptoms Among Immigrants From Mexico

This article examines the feasibility of using a short-form version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) in community mental health research with Mexican immigrants. Several features of three published short versions of the CES-D were examined using data combined from seven diverse Mexican immigrant samples from across the United States (N= 685). Results indicate that published short-form versions of the CES-D are reliable, they account for most of the variance in scores from the full CES-D, and there is little evidence that the use of short forms attenuates associations with other concepts relevant to understanding the mental health of Mexican immigrants. Although additional validation research is necessary, the results of this study suggest that short-form versions of the CES-D can be used to study mental health among Mexican immigrants.

Psychosocial Predictors of Anxiety among Immigrant Mexican Migrant Farmworkers: Implications for Prevention and Treatment.

This study examined predictors of anxiety symptomatology among immigrant Mexican migrant farmworkers in the Midwest. Its purposes were to assess the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, to examine the relationship between acculturative stress and anxiety, and to determine the variables that best predict anxiety. Heightened levels were found for overall anxiety and in the cognitive, affective, and physiological expressions of anxiety. Elevated acculturative stress, low self-esteem, ineffective social support, lack of control and choice in living a migrant farmworker lifestyle, low religiosity, and high education were significantly related to high anxiety. Findings suggest that migrant farmworkers who experience elevated acculturative stress are susceptible to the development of anxiety-related disorders and highlight the importance of establishing prevention and treatment services for migrant farmworkers.

Exploring the Mental Health of Mexican Migrant Farm Workers in the Midwest: Psychosocial Predictors of Psychological Distress and Suggestions for Prevention and Treatment

Abstract The purposes of the present study were threefold: (a) to assess the prevalence levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of Mexican migrant farm workers in the midwestern United States; (b) to explore the relationships among acculturative stress, anxiety, and depression; and (c) to examine the variables that best predict anxiety and depression. The overall sample revealed elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Migrant farm workers with heightened levels of acculturative stress were more likely to report high levels of anxiety and depression. Family dysfunction, ineffective social support, low self-esteem, lack of agreement with the decision to migrate, high education levels, high levels of acculturative stress, and high levels of anxiety were significantly associated with high depression levels. The overall findings suggest that migrant farm workers who experience elevated levels of acculturative stress may be at risk for experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. The findings highlight the importance of establishing prevention and treatment services for migrant farm workers that aim to increase levels of emotional support, self-esteem, and coping skills.

Psychosocial Predictors of Acculturative Stress in Mexican Immigrants

Abstract Psychosocial predictors of acculturative stress were examined in a sample of adult Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles. Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that family dysfunction, geographical separation from family, nonpositive expectations for the future, and low income levels were significantly related to elevated levels of acculturative stress. The findings suggest that family closeness, hopefulness for the future, and financial resources may provide a buffer against acculturative Stressors experienced by migrating individuals. The findings highlight the importance of using culturally relevant clinical methods when assessing and treating immigrants and acculturating individuals.

Socio-demographic Differences in Acculturation and Mental Health for a Sample of 2nd Generation/Early Immigrant Arab Americans

This study examined socio-demographic differences in acculturation patterns among early immigrant and second-generation Arab Americans, using data from 120 participants who completed a Web-based study. Although sex, age, education, and income did not significantly relate to the acculturation process, respondents who were female and those who were married reported greater Arab ethnic identity and religiosity. Striking differences were found based on religious affiliation. Christian patterns of acculturation and mental health were consistent with acculturation theory. For Muslims, however, integration was not associated with better mental health, and religiosity was predictive of better family functioning and less depression. The results of this study suggest unique acculturation patterns for Christian and Muslim subgroups that can better inform future research and mental health service.

Cognitive, affective, and physiological expressions of anxiety symptomatology among Mexican migrant farmworkers: predictors and generational differences.

Scant research has examined the mental health of migrant farmworkers in the United States. The purposes of the present study were threefold: to assess the prevalence levels of anxiety symptoms in a sample of Mexican migrant farmworkers in the Midwest United States; to examine the relationship between acculturative stress and anxiety; and to determine the variables that significantly predict anxiety. High levels were found for overall anxiety and in the cognitive, affective, and physiological expressions of anxiety. Elevated acculturative stress, low self esteem, ineffective social support, lack of control and choice in the decision to live a migrant farmworker lifestyle, low religiosity, and high education were significantly related to high anxiety levels. The overall findings suggest that Mexican migrant farmworkers who experience high acculturative stress may be at risk for developing anxiety-related disorders. The findings highlight the necessity of establishing prevention and treatment services for migrant farmworkers that increase levels of emotional support, self esteem, and coping skills.

Prediction of Positive Outcomes for Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients

OBJECTIVE To identify individual, parent/family, and treatment follow-through predictors of outcome for adolescent psychiatric inpatients 6 months after hospital discharge. METHOD Eighty-nine adolescents participated in a comprehensive baseline evaluation during psychiatric hospitalization. Baseline measures included the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents, Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS), and Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior (SIQ-Jr). Structured telephone follow-up interviews assessed treatment follow-through, suicidal behaviors, rehospitalizations, living changes, and social adaptive functioning. The RADS and SIQ-Jr were also readministered. RESULTS Baseline indices of adolescent functioning emerged as the strongest predictors of outcomes. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that baseline depression severity, a cluster of parent/family indices, and medication follow-through were significant predictors of outcome depression severity. Baseline social adaptive functioning, presence/absence of conduct disorder, and medication follow-through were significant predictors of outcome social adaptive functioning. CONCLUSIONS The nature and course of adolescent psychopathology was difficult to disrupt, with baseline characteristics as the strongest predictors of outcome. Nevertheless, the significance of medication follow-through as a predictor suggests that treatment-related gains are possible.

Psychosocial predictors of depression among Central American immigrants.

The present study investigated the relationship between stress and depression associated with acculturation among Central American immigrants (64 women, 14 men) and identified the best predictors of depression among Central American immigrants. Elevated acculturative stress was significantly associated with higher depression. Family dysfunction, ineffective social support, lack of hopefulness toward the future, and low socioeconomic status were also significantly associated with high depression. The overall findings suggest that Central American immigrants who report high acculturative stress may be “at risk” for experiencing depression and that effective family and social support, hopefulness toward the future, and socioeconomic status may serve to protect against depression during acculturation.