News: Mental Health

Study Demonstrates Cultural Impact on Mental Health

February 18, 2005

According to the results of a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites born in the United States have a higher risk for developing psychiatric disorders than their foreign-born counterparts who have immigrated to the U.S." The study participants who demonstrated a lower risk had immigrated into the U.S. and may have had stressors including low wages and lack of familiarity with U.S. culture. Dr. Grant indicated the results of this study ".... is consistent with the 'healthy migrant' model that predicts that foreign-born persons in good health are more likely than those in poor health to immigrate to the United States..."

The findings in this study proposes that acclimating to the U.S. culture can have detrimental effects on mental health for Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. Determining the cultural factors that may protect mental health will be important in treatment and prevention intervention programs.

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Source: "U.S.-Born Mexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites At Increased Risk for Psychiatric Disorders: Findings Raise New Questions About Influence of Culture", December 6, 2004Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)