Exploring the Mental Health of Mexican Migrant Farm Workers in the Midwest: Psychological Predictors of Psychological Distress.
Author: Hovey, Joseph D.
Date Published: 2002
The purposes of the present study were threefold (a) to assess the prevalence levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of Mexican migrant farmworkers in the Midwestern United States; (b) to explore the relationships among acculturative stress, anxiety, and depression; and c) to examine the variables that best predict anxiety and depression. The overall sample revealed elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Migrant farm workers with heightened levels of acculturative stress were more likely to report high levels of anxiety and depression. Family dysfunction, ineffective social support, low self-esteem, lack of agreement with the decision to migrate, high education levels, high levels of acculturative stress, and high levels of anxiety were significantly associated with high depression levels. The overall findings suggest that migrant farm workers who experience elevated levels of acculturative stress may be at risk for experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. The findings highlight the importance of establishing prevention and treatment services for migrant farm workers that aim to increase levels of emotional support, self-esteem, and coping skills.
Date Published: 2002
The purposes of the present study were threefold (a) to assess the prevalence levels of anxiety and depression in a sample of Mexican migrant farmworkers in the Midwestern United States; (b) to explore the relationships among acculturative stress, anxiety, and depression; and c) to examine the variables that best predict anxiety and depression. The overall sample revealed elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Migrant farm workers with heightened levels of acculturative stress were more likely to report high levels of anxiety and depression. Family dysfunction, ineffective social support, low self-esteem, lack of agreement with the decision to migrate, high education levels, high levels of acculturative stress, and high levels of anxiety were significantly associated with high depression levels. The overall findings suggest that migrant farm workers who experience elevated levels of acculturative stress may be at risk for experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. The findings highlight the importance of establishing prevention and treatment services for migrant farm workers that aim to increase levels of emotional support, self-esteem, and coping skills.
