Depression in Latina mothers: Examining the roles of acculturation, enculturation, social support, and family resources.

OBJECTIVES

Previous findings on the relationship between acculturation and depression have been mixed, such that acculturation has been demonstrated as a protective factor, risk factor, and neutral factor for depressive symptomology. The current study sought to clarify this association by examining the roles of acculturation and enculturation (retention of traditional values and practices) on depression while incorporating contextual variables such as social support and resource adequacy.

METHOD: This study utilized archived data from 308 Latina mothers who participated in a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a home-based child maltreatment prevention model that was culturally adapted for a midwestern Latino/a community.

RESULTS

Findings from this study suggest that although enculturation was negatively associated with depression, this impact was no longer significant when multiple factors were examined. Rather, increased family resources and social support were related to fewer depressive symptoms. Furthermore, social support and family resources both demonstrated mediating roles between the relation of acculturation and depression. Family resources also mediated the relation between enculturation and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the importance of assessing access to resources and interpersonal connections when working with Latina mothers experiencing depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).