Stress caused by discrimination linked to mental health issues among Latino teens

*If you get past the headline and dig into this article you’ll find a gem in the eighth paragraph. The research sheds some light on the “immigrant paradox, where second-generation immigrants fare worse than first-generation immigrants in a number of contexts … ”  It has to do with being in touch with the protective aspects of culture. The idea of stress caused by discrimination among teenagers is valuable and worth discussion. VL

By Medicalxpress

Latino adolescents who experience discrimination-related stress are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and issues with sleep, according to research led by NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. These mental health outcomes were more pronounced among Latino teens born in the U.S. to immigrant parents, as opposed to foreign-born teens.

The longitudinal study, which appears online in the journal Child Development, suggests that first-generation immigrants and second-generation immigrants are affected differently by discrimination-related stress.

Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority in the U.S., making up 15 percent of the population. Research has shown that many young Latinos face discrimination in their daily lives.

“Discrimination has been linked to a variety ofmental health symptoms,” said Selcuk Sirin, associate professor of applied psychology at NYU Steinhardt and the study’s lead author. “Adolescence may be a particularly vulnerable time for discrimination, as forming one’s cultural, ethnic, and racial identities is central during this developmental period.”

Click HERE to read the full story.