Psychosocial Predictors of Acculturative Stress in Central American Immigrants

Abstract

Little previous research has examined acculturative stress among Central American immigrants in the United States. This study explored psychosocial predictors of acculturative stress in a sample of Central American immigrants in Los Angeles. Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed that family dysfunction, nonmarried status, ineffective social support, nonpositive expectations for the future, infrequent church attendance, and lack of agreement with the decision to migrate were significantly associated with greater levels of acculturative stress. The findings highlight the importance of using culturally relevant clinical methods when assessing and treating acculturating individuals.