Publication Date

2006

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Gutierrez, Peter M.

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

Department of Psychology

LCSH

Mexican Americans--Psychology; Stress (Psychology); Depression; Mental

Abstract

This study examined the relationship among acculturative stress, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in a sample of Mexican adults (N = 209). Also examined was the role of generational status (i.e., first- versus second-generational status) and variables that predict depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. First-generational status significantly predicted levels of acculturative stress, but not levels of acculturation, depressive symptoms, or suicidal ideation. Acculturative stress was partially related to suicidal ideation because of depressive symptoms. Familial support, friend support, expectancies and attitudes concerning the future, and income were not significant moderators in the relationship between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms. Levels of acculturative stress and nonhopeful expectancies and attitudes concerning the future were significant predictors of depressive symptoms, whereas levels of depressive symptoms, levels of acculturative stress, and nonhopeful expectancies and attitudes concerning the future were significant predictors of suicidal ideation. Overall, the study provided useful information on the psychological effects of the acculturative process and the factors that may increase these effects, while also raising issues for exploration in the future.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [113]-123).

Extent

vii, 179 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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