The Role of Acculturation Stress, Family Relationships, and Mental Health on Negative Friend Associations among Latino Adolescents

Background and Purpose: The transition from parents to friends as the main source of social support is a hallmark of adolescence. In Latino culture, this transition may take a very different path due to the importance of maintaining strong family connections. In addition to the transitions facing most adolescents, Latino adolescents (especially those who have emigrated from other countries) must also contend with transitions related to acculturating to a new culture. The cumulative effects of acculturation stress, changes in the adolescent and family dynamics may affect the formation of friendships for this population. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that contribute to the development of friendships for Latino adolescents. Of particular interest are the roles played by factors related to acculturation stress, family relationships, and adolescent mental health problems. It was hypothesized that family relationships as well as adolescent mental health would mediate the pathways from acculturation stress to negative friend associations. As this topic has not been previously researched with Latino adolescents, this study serves as an initial step towards understanding these complex associations.

Methods: This study is part of the larger Latino Acculturation and Health Project; a longitudinal study of the acculturation experiences of Latino families in North Carolina and Arizona. In depth, face-to-face, community-based interviews were conducted with the adolescents. Participants were recruited from churches, English as a Second Language programs, and at Latino community events. The study sample consisted of 286 adolescents; 66% were born in Latin America, 54% were female, and the average age was 15. Data collected at times one, two, and four were used for analysis. Path analysis using Amos 7.0 was conducted.

Results: The final model was a strong fit to the data, ÷2 (df=23, N=286)=21.29, p=.62, Normed ÷2=.88, CFI=1.00, RMSEA=.000, 90% CI (.000-.042). Externalizing problems was the only direct mediator between acculturation stress and negative friend associations (Z=2.48, p<.05). There was evidence of multiple mediated chains through both of the family relationship variables. Time in the U.S., acculturation conflicts, and baseline negative friend associations were all associated with lower familism at time two. In turn, lower familism was related to higher parent-adolescent conflicts, which led to higher externalizing problems and ultimately to more negative friend associations. Acculturation conflict, perceived discrimination, and language conflict at baseline were all linked with parent-adolescent conflict at time two. This risk chain then led from parent-adolescent conflict to externalizing problems, which in turn, was linked with negative friend associations.

Conclusions and Implications: Results of the analysis suggest that indicators of acculturation stress influence family relationships, which in turn affects adolescent mental health problems and negative friend associations. Parent-adolescent conflict and externalizing problems were significant mediators of this relationship. Reducing parent-adolescent conflict and increasing familism should be a key focus in any intervention directed towards Latino adolescents. Including a peer-leadership aspect in the interventions may serve to increase positive outcomes with family, friends, and mental health outcomes. Additional research into these associations is needed in order to further explore these relationships.