Acculturation and Depression Problems of Latin American Women Immigrants to the San Francisco Bay Area
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Authors
Sampaio, Rita
Issue Date
1989
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Latin American women who immigrate to the San Francisco Bay Area are at a high risk of developing depression when they go through the process of acculturation. Some women become ill while others do not. Using the Structured Interview and Acculturation Rating Scale, data was collected to empirically compare two groups of women. Three of the women were being treated for Major Depression in a clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area. For comparison purposes, three women who had no previous treatment for depression were interviewed. Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated differences between the two groups. In this study, depressed women held an extremely rigid and traditional view of their self-importance, resisting the adoption of values presented by the Anglo culture. The nondepressed women presented less traditional role definitions and more willingness to assimilate values congruent with Anglo culture. Information obtained from this research can contribute to our overall knowledge of cross-cultural differences and cross-cultural understanding of mental illness, especially depression.