Exploring the pathways that mediate the relationship between acculturation and depression among Latinos

Using a sample of 850 South Florida Latinos from the Miami-Dade county area, this study investigates the mediating and moderating effects of family social support and perceived discrimination on the relationship between acculturation and depression. Findings suggest a significant relationship between acculturation and depression mediated through family social support, but not through perceived discrimination. The results revealed that perceived discrimination was, however, a strong predictor of depression. Moderating effects were not discovered. Consistent with the mental health literature, the study found support for education, gender, and socioeconomic status as strong predictors of depression. Even in late adolescent to early adult years, there is an association to be found between acculturation and increased risk for depressive symptoms. There is also evidence of the presence of a specific mediator, family social support, which explains the association between acculturation and depression. This finding is key in understanding the mental health implications of maintaining traditional social support mechanisms while adapting to life in the majority culture