Studies of the cultural construction of depression among Mexican immigrant men in the USA are rare. This paper is a qualitative inquiry into how this population of men identifies depression and its perceived causes and remedies. Data were gathered from seven focus groups with a total of 38 adult Mexican immigrant men. Results indicate that depresión (depression) is a valid and familiar concept among this group. While the reporting of somatic symptoms does occur, it appears that interpersonal problems and affective symptoms are among the most salient in identifying someone as depressed. The causes are described as predominantly social in origin, arising directly out of the participants' experiences of immigration and adaptation. Similarly, the proposed remedies are primarily social in nature with an emphasis being put on help from the community, the family, or a professional. Colloquial terms are provided in both Spanish and English and direct quotes from the focus group discussions are included. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

cross-cultural Men Depression Nervios Cultural competence Mexican immigrant USA qualitative

depression immigrant adaptation immigration human controlled study social aspect affect language Mexico United States North America Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants qualitative analysis questionnaire clinical article emotional disorder Article adult Focus Groups