Latino adolescents' mental health: exploring the interrelations among discrimination, ethnic identity, cultural orientation, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms

J Adolesc. 2007 Aug;30(4):549-67. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2006.08.002. Epub 2006 Oct 23.

Abstract

Guided by a risk and resilience framework, the current study used cross-sectional data to examine the degree to which Latino adolescents' (N=274; M age=16.3; 47.1% female) self-esteem, ethnic identity, and cultural orientations mediated or moderated the relation between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms. Utilizing a multiple group comparison approach, path analyses indicated that higher levels of ethnic identity exploration and resolution significantly predicted higher levels of self-esteem for both boys and girls. Furthermore, self-esteem partially mediated the relation between perceived discrimination and adolescents' depressive symptoms. Additional analyses revealed that boys' cultural orientations moderated the relation between perceived discrimination and both self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Taken together, findings indicated that various aspects of the self (i.e. self-esteem, ethnic identity, cultural orientations) can protect and/or enhance the risks associated with discrimination.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation*
  • Adolescent
  • Depression / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Midwestern United States
  • Prejudice*
  • Self Concept*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires