Abstract
This study investigates a theorized link between Latino immigrants’ experience of acculturative stress during their two initial
years in the United States (US) and declines in family cohesion from pre- to post-immigration contexts. This retrospective
cohort study included 405 adult participants. Baseline assessment occurred during participants’ first 12 months in the US.
Follow-up assessment occurred during participants’ second year in the US. General linear mixed models were used to estimate
change in family cohesion and sociocultural correlates of this change. Inverse associations were determined between acculturative
stress during initial years in the US and declines in family cohesion from pre-immigration to post-immigration contexts. Participants
with undocumented immigration status, those with lower education levels, and those without family in the US generally indicated
lower family cohesion. Participants who experienced more acculturative stress and those without family in the US evidenced
a greater decline in family cohesion. Results are promising in terms of implications for health services for recent Latino
immigrants.
years in the United States (US) and declines in family cohesion from pre- to post-immigration contexts. This retrospective
cohort study included 405 adult participants. Baseline assessment occurred during participants’ first 12 months in the US.
Follow-up assessment occurred during participants’ second year in the US. General linear mixed models were used to estimate
change in family cohesion and sociocultural correlates of this change. Inverse associations were determined between acculturative
stress during initial years in the US and declines in family cohesion from pre-immigration to post-immigration contexts. Participants
with undocumented immigration status, those with lower education levels, and those without family in the US generally indicated
lower family cohesion. Participants who experienced more acculturative stress and those without family in the US evidenced
a greater decline in family cohesion. Results are promising in terms of implications for health services for recent Latino
immigrants.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9678-3
- Authors
- Frank R. Dillon, Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS & Drug Abuse (CRUSADA), Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., PCA 369, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Mario De La Rosa, Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS & Drug Abuse (CRUSADA), Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., PCA 369, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Gladys E. Ibañez, Behavioral Science Research Institute, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912