Poster #98 - Perceived Fairness as a Mediator of the Effects of Acculturation Gap Conflict on Depressive Symptoms Among Latinx Youth

• In Event: 1-115 - Poster Session 03
  In Poster Session: PS 03 Section - Family Context & Processes

Integrative Statement

Acculturation gap conflict (i.e. conflict due to differences in pace of acculturation between immigrant parents and children) has been linked to depressive symptoms for Latinx youth (Basáñez et al., 2014; Szapocznik & Kurtines, 1993), but the factors contributing to this relation are not well known. How youth approach filial obligations (i.e. financial and emotional support of family members, assist in the maintenance of the household) may be important to consider in the context of acculturation gap conflict (Smokowski et al, 2009; Zhou, 1997), Indeed, Kuperminc et al. (2013) found that youths’ perception of fairness of filial obligations predicts levels of psychological distress, yet research has not explored the unique role of perceived fairness in the relation between acculturation gap conflict and youth adjustment. The current study aims to fill this gap in the literature by examining the role of youth reported perception of fairness related to filial obligation as a mediator of the effects of autonomy-related acculturation gap conflict, as reported by both youth and mothers, on depressive symptoms among Latinx youth.

Participants were 146 7th grade and 8th grade Latino adolescent-mother dyads recruited from two middle schools in an emerging immigrant community. Mothers and adolescents completed in-depth surveys in their home. Measures included Acculturation Gap Conflicts inventory (Basáñez et al., 2014), Filial Responsibility Fairness Subscale (Kuperminc et al., 2013, Jurkovic et al., 2004, & Kuperminc et al., 2009), and Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (Messer et al., 1995).

Youth and mothers’ report of autonomy-related acculturation gap conflict predicted youth depressive symptoms (Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively). As hypothesized, youth’s perception of fairness related to filial obligations mediated the relationship between acculturation gap conflict and youth depression (Figure 1). Similar results were obtained in the model using mother’s report of acculturation gap conflict as well (Figure 2).

Understanding the role of fairness within the context of filial obligation can provide valuable insight on the nuanced factors that contribute to the relationship of acculturation gap conflict on youth maladjustment. These findings suggest that future interventions aimed at improving psychological adjustment among Latinx youth should consider adopting a family-based approach, using communication tools that target negotiations around filial obligations and the role of perceived fairness.

Authors

• Puja Patel, University of North Carolina - Greensboro
  Presenting Author

• Andrea Kulish, University of North Carolina - Greensboro
  Non-Presenting Author

• Gabriela Livas Stein, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  Non-Presenting Author