Beyond Assimilation

Abstract

This study investigated the contribution of assimilation, sociodemographic factors, and social supports to depressive symptoms in immigrant adolescents, using Waves I and II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 4,263). Immigrant adolescents reported more risk factors and higher levels of depressive symptoms than native peers. However, generational status ceased to be a correlate of depressive symptoms when sociodemographic variables were controlled. Findings challenge assimilation theories premised on the assumption that immigrants face unique migration-related challenges. Immigrant adolescents are vulnerable due to greater likelihood of increased age, a racial/ethnic minority status, and lower socioeconomic status. They are also at a comparative disadvantage for social supports. Stress and supports were identified as mediators with unique relationships to sociodemographic factors. Assimilation theory, social network theory, and an ecological perspective informed the study.

Does the healthy immigrant effect apply to mental health? Examining the effects of immigrant generation and racial and ethnic background among Australian adults

“…Racial discrimination creates social and economic inequities along racial and ethnic lines, which are directly related to disease (Adler & Rehkopf, 2008; Dolezsar, Jennifer, Herzig & Miller, 2014; Viruell-Fuentes, Miranda & Abdulrahim, 2012). The consequences of belonging to a minority group in the host country can negatively affect health and increase the incidence of depressive symptoms (review in Bernstein, Park, Shin, Cho & Park, 2009; Leonardo, 2016). New immigrants, however, may experience a protective effect since many were not minorities in the origin country and they have not yet been exposed to the detrimental effects of racial discrimination in the host country (Mossakowski, 2007).…”

“…Overall, the three perspectives posit different health outcomes by generation and vary in the extent to which they address mental health outcomes per se. Empirical studies on the effects of nativity and generation on mental health are mixed in regards to whether immigrants and minorities have any mental health advantage over the native-born population (Ali et al, 2004, Beiser et al, 2002; Harker, 2001; Leonardo, 2016; Missinne & Bracke, 2010; Mossakowski, 2007; Straiton et al, 2014). Thus, this study considers how the predictors of mental health compare across generation and racial and ethnic background to elucidate the broader implications of HIE as well as the predictors of mental health.…”