Journal of immigrant health
Volume 5, Issue 4, 2003, Pages 181-186

Employment frustration and alcohol abuse/dependence among labor migrants in California. (Article)

Finch B.K.* , Catalano R.C. , Novaco R.W. , Vega W.A.
  • a RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California 90405, United States
  • b RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California 90405, United States
  • c RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California 90405, United States
  • d RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California 90405, United States

Abstract

We test whether or not labor market frustration is associated with clinical alcohol abuse/dependence diagnoses among labor migrants living in California. Our sample consists of 1576 Mexican labor migrants in Fresno, CA, who migrated for the purpose of seeking employment. Using clinical criterion (DSM-III-R), we find that frustrating experiences resulting from labor market exclusion and discrimination are significantly related to past-year alcohol abuse/dependence. Similarly, although high levels of social support are salutary, they are not protective among those who experience moderate/high levels of employment frustration. Since Mexican-origin immigrants have low rates of health insurance coverage and lower propensities for formal help-seeking, community outreach programs that target labor migrants are essential to this population's mental health maintenance.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

psychological aspect human middle aged comparative study alcoholism ethnology Mexico United States Humans Hispanic Adolescent California male female Article adult migration Transients and Migrants employment frustration Mexican Americans
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-1542787401&doi=10.1023%2fA%3a1026119226083&partnerID=40&md5=67e962db509c27e289337d4f77f67643
DOI: 10.1023/A:1026119226083
ISSN: 10964045
Cited by: 43
Original Language: English