This study examined impact of length of stay in the U.S., socio-economic status, and family structure on mental health and school adjustment among Haitian and West Indian adolescents.
Analyses were based on data collected during an epistemological longitudinal study of public school students in Miami. Students were surveyed during 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. A cohort sample of Haitian (n=121) and West Indian (n=122) students represented a mean age of 11.5 years. The total sample for the larger study included 7,386 students.
Results indicated differences in self-esteem, depression, and socio-economic status between Haitians and West Indians. Haitians presented lower self-esteem, higher depression symptoms, and lower socio-economic status than West Indians. Interactions between ethnicity and length of stay relating to self-esteem and depression were statistically significant. Length of stay was associated with self-esteem and depression among Haitians. Haitians' length of stay was negatively related to self-esteem (Beta=-.30, R2=.10, F=11.6), indicating that as length of stay increases level of self-esteem decreased. Length of stay was positively related to depression (Beta=.28, R2=.08, F=10.0), indicating that depression symptoms increase as length of stay increases. SES related to self-esteem and depression for West Indians longitudinally. The higher the SES the higher the self-esteem and the lower were depression symptoms throughout middle school.
Findings suggest, mental health of immigrant minority students is negatively impacted by differential social circumstances. Interactions between ethnicity and length of stay relating to self-esteem and depression suggest Haitian students were more affected when length of stay increases than West Indians students.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.