We examined how the migration and acculturation experiences of first-generation Latino youth contributed to their psychological well-being. Data came from the LAMHA (Latino Adolescent Migration, Health, and Adaptation) study, which surveyed 281 first-generation Latino immigrant youth, ages 12 to 19. Using logistic regression, we evaluated how migration stressors (i.e., traumatic events, choice of migration, discrimination, and documentation status) and migration supports (i.e. family and teacher support, acculturation, and personal-motivation) were associated with depressive symptoms and anxiety. We found that migration stressors increased the risk of both depressive symptoms and anxiety. Time in the United States and support from family and teachers reduced the risk of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Compared with documented adolescents, undocumented adolescents were at greater risk of anxiety, and children in mixed-status families were at greater risk of anxiety and marginally greater risk of depressive symptoms. © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Hispanic Latino first generation Immigrant Mental health Adolescent

evaluation immigrant depression anxiety disorder logistic regression analysis health survey correlation analysis motivation human Life Change Events North Carolina controlled study Adaptation, Psychological Depressive Disorder Health Surveys social support Anxiety Disorders Hispanic Americans Cross-Sectional Studies United States psychological well being Humans family Hispanic Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation female Personality Inventory stress Risk Factors cultural factor Psychometrics Article migration Prejudice Transients and Migrants social discrimination Child