Cultural Crossroads: How Mexican Immigrant Women Navigate Stress and Adaptation

Abstract

Objective: This study examined acculturative stress among Mexican immigrant women in the U.S. and its impact on their psychological distress, with implications for addressing their mental health needs. Methods: This study employed path analysis to investigate relationships between acculturative stress, psychological distress, and contextual factors among 257 Mexican immigrant women from the National Latino Asian American Survey (NLAAS). Results: The results of this study emphasize the influence of contextual factors on psychological distress and acculturative stress in Mexican immigrant women. Acculturative stress, familismo values, and racial discrimination impacted their psychological distress. Factors such as contentment with decision to move to the U.S., English-language skills, racial discrimination, visiting family abroad, religiosity, and age at immigration influenced their acculturative stress. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of considering contextual factors in acculturative stress among Mexican immigrant women and its impact on psychological distress. Implications for practice and policy include developing culturally sensitive interventions, educational opportunities, improved access to mental health services, anti-discrimination policies, and addressing the unique needs of this population. By implementing these strategies, mental health professionals and policymakers can enhance Mexican immigrant women's well-being, resilience, and successful integration into the host society.