Risk and Protective Predictors of Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents from Immigrant Backgrounds

Abstract

Although there has been an increasing number of studies that has examined depression among adolescents from immigrant backgrounds, findings have been mixed, with some studies reporting that immigrant status is associated with risk, while others report that immigration status is linked to adequate or positive outcomes. Thus, it is important to explore how underlying predictors contribute to trajectories of depressive symptoms among adolescents from immigrant backgrounds. Using data from a nationally representative Canadian sample (N = 1,060; aged 12 to 23; 48.9% female), this longitudinal study examined the effects of risk and protective factors on trajectories of depressive symptoms using multilevel modeling. Predictors of depressive symptoms tended to be protective and suggest a universal positive influence of self-esteem, positive peer relationships, and parent-child cohesion. Host language proficiency was predictive of greater increases in depressive symptoms over time. Findings highlight the value of promoting protective factors and aspects of one's heritage among immigrant adolescents.

Beyond Assimilation

“…Predicted associations found between decreased stress, increased parental, school, and peer support and decreased levels of depressive symptoms validate findings from the literature (Adkins et al, 2009;Coleman, 1998;Costello et al, 2008;Harker, 2001;Meadows, 2007;Mueller, 2009;H. Nguyen et al, 2011;Sabatier & Berry, 2008;Shen & Takeuchi, 2001;Van Voorhees et al, 2008;Walsh et al, 2010;Ying & Han, 2008).…”

“…Nguyen et al, 2011;Van Voorhees et al, 2008). Evidence indicates immigrant adolescents report less peer support than native adolescents, although it is unclear if this contributes to a detrimental effect on well-being (H. Nguyen et al, 2011;Oppedal & Røysamb, 2004). For example, although adolescent immigrants may be challenged to understand a new culture quickly, and in a way that fosters development of positive peer relations, they may also be from a collectivist culture that does not place the same importance on peer relations that is found in individualistic cultures (Gaudet et al, 2005;Oppedal & Røysamb, 2004;Rumbaut, 1994).…”

Two Sides of a Story: Mothers’ and Adolescents’ Agreement on Child Disclosure in Immigrant and Native Families

“…Perhaps the most relevant factor could be that internalizing problems, such as a depressed mood, depends on many more variables. Particularly in adolescence, peer environment and personal characteristics need to be considered (Nguyen et al 2011;Buck and Dix 2012). These factors may be an even more important influence than mother-adolescent agreement on adolescents' disclosure.…”

Thriving, Managing, and Struggling: A Mixed Methods Study of Adolescent African Refugees’ Psychosocial Adjustment

“…Strengths include: 1) healthy, intact families; 2) strong work ethic and aspirations; 3) community cohesion; 4) family beliefs that prioritize youth’s education (Fuligni, 1997; Fuligni & Hardway, 2004; Lese & Robbins, 1994). Studies of immigrant youth found protective factors for psychological wellbeing and substance use including: familism, family cohesion, fulfilling cultural expectations, having parental supervision, parent-child communication, lack of parent-child conflict, social support, and having a strong ethnic identity (Costigan, Koryzma, Hua, & Chance, 2010; Harker, 2001; Nguyen, Rawana, & Flora, 2011; Schwartz et al ., 2012; Smokowski, Chapman, & Bacallao, 2007; Torres Stone & Meyler 2007). Research demonstrates that immigrant youth, “have lower access to and make less use of high-quality institutions and programs that can facilitate their successful transition into adulthood” (Fuligni, 1998) and that this affects physical health, mental health, high-risk behaviors, educational and career outcomes.…”