Acculturation and Psychological Distress in Mexican-American Health Fair Participants

Bereolos, Nicole M., Acculturation and psychological distress in Mexican-American health fair participants. Master in Public Health (Health Behaviors), December 2004, 20 pp., 3 tables, 23 titles. Immigrants who have integrated into their host culture along with maintaining their cultural identity have better psychological well-being. Greater degrees of psychological distress in less acculturated immigrants may occur due to stressors associated with the transition. This isolation has prevented providers from addressing their mental health needs. This project studied psychological well-being as its relates to acculturation. Self-report questionnaires were offered at the Hispanic Health Fair in Fort Worth, Texas. Psychological distress was significantly higher for the low acculturated (LA) than the moderately acculturated (MA). Specifically, a higher degree of anxiety for the LA group was found compared to the MA. The difference in depression was not significant, however results suggest that mild psychological distress is likely prevalent in the LA. Results underscore the importance of gaining knowledge about the needs of Mexican-Americans that are rarely seen within traditional health service.