Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

9-3-2013

Abstract

Cultural adaptation factors likely influence health status and social mobility. Using data from the Corazón Life Journey Studies, cross-sectional interviews of immigrant Latino, U.S.-born Latino, and Non-Hispanic White adults (n=272), we investigated acculturation factors, social mobility, and health outcomes across four time points, elementary school, middle school, high school and current adulthood. Using growth mixture modeling, lifetime segmented assimilation trajectories were developed describing different acculturation and social mobility changes. A four-class model best described the data. Significant differences emerged among the ethnic groups. Family Traditionalism significantly predicted acculturations starting point and change over time. Initial acculturation values predicted social mobility. Differences were also found in health outcomes. Findings have implications for clinical work, research and policy. Early life experiences can influence social mobility later in life, affecting individuals' health. We encourage researchers to employ more complex models in order to reveal mechanisms underlying Latinos' and other ethnic groups' health inequities.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Gonzalez Castro, Felipe

Second Committee Member

Venner, Kamilla

Language

English

Keywords

Acculturation, Social mobility--United States, Health status indicators--United States, Hispanic Americans--Cultural assimilation.

Document Type

Thesis

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