Race/ethnicity, acculturation, and psychological distress: Fatalism and religiosity as cultural resources

Abstract

Data from a community sample of 1,784 Anglo, African‐American, and Mexican‐American adults were examined to assess: (1) the nature and magnitude of observed racial/ethnic and acculturation level differences in depression, (2) the relative contribution of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors (fatalism and religiosity) to observed differences, and (3) the joint effects of fatalism and religiosity as sociocultural resources with regard to depression in differing racial/ethnic and acculturation level subgroups. Analyses indicate the most dramatic differences in depression among males—African Americans were roughly similar to Anglos and levels of depression were significantly higher among the least acculturated Mexican Americans relative to Anglos, even after statistical controls. Acculturation level differences among Mexican‐American females were explained by statistical controls. Lower levels of depression among more highly acculturated than among less acculturated Mexican Americans provide little support for a simplistic stress formulation of acculturation. Rather, the interplay of acculturation, fatalism, and religiosity supports a more complex cultural marginality model, emphasizing the consistency of attitudinal elements and language use as facilitators or inhibitors of assimilation into Anglo culture. Both those who successfully acculturate and those who are most insulated in traditional culture appear least depressed from this perspective.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Hispanic Youth Acculturation and Cigarette Smoking: The Roles of Gender, Culture, Family, and Discrimination

“…The cultural value of fatalismo encompasses the belief that one cannot control the future. Fatalismo has been portrayed as a culturally rooted adaptive response to external stress in collectivistic cultures where it promotes social support (Neff & Hoppe, 1993), possibly by de-emphasizing personal control, responsibility, and blame for negative life circumstances or perceived failure. Although studies have failed to find a direct relationship between fatalismo and substance use (Unger et al, 2002), fatalismo may influence smoking indirectly by way of family functioning and discrimination.…”

Health Communication in the Latino Community: Issues and Approaches

“…Second, in traditional societies, the individual's approach to health and illness is often fatalistic (98). Disease may be seen as an unavoidable crucible or even as punishment for past sins and health as a gift from God (79,98). Because of this fatalistic orientation, Western-style modification of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors through an appeal to personal autonomy is less likely to be successful, as is Western medicine in general (61,86).…”

Cognitive referents of acculturation: Assessment of cultural constructs in Mexican Americans

“…Either way, fatalism is believed to be associated with adjustment and with mental health problems. Neff and Hoppe (1993) report an interaction effect for acculturation, religiosity, fatalism, and feelings of distress. They report that fatalism has an interactive, adaptive effect.…”