Showing papers in "Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences in 2005"
TL;DR: The authors assessed the extent to which university comfort, social support, and self-beliefs were interrelated and subsequently predictive of academic nonpersistence decisions for 99 Latina/o under...
Abstract: This study assessed the extent to which university comfort, social support, and self-beliefs were interrelated and subsequently predictive of academic nonpersistence decisions for 99 Latina/o under...
277 citations
TL;DR: This article reviewed the literature in the area of language brokering and found that children of immigrant families who translate and interpret for their parents and other individuals possess unique characteristics that make them suitable for their role as the family's translator and interpreter.
Abstract: This article reviews the literature in the area of language brokering. Language brokers are children of immigrant families who translate and interpret for their parents and other individuals. Results suggest that language brokers possess unique characteristics that make them suitable for their role as the family’s translator and interpreter. Parents select the child language broker based on certain personal qualities. Language brokers translate and interpret a variety of documents in a variety of settings. There is not a clear understanding of the influence of language brokering on children’s academic performance. There is not a clear understanding of how language brokering experiences help or harm the parent-child relationship. Further research is needed to better understand the role that language brokering plays in the lives and well-being of children.
253 citations
TL;DR: The study’s findings challenge stereo-types of Latina students in higher education, as they valuedHigher education, believed that they could overcome any barriers to achieve their educational goals, and used active coping responses, which informed their positive and healthy functioning.
Abstract: Given the unique educational experiences and disproportional representation of Latinas in higher education, this study examined how Latinas’ perception of educational barriers and cultural fit influenced their coping responses and subsequent well-being in college. Participants (N = 98) were primarily second-generation Mexican-heritage women who were highly motivated to pursue advanced graduate training. Differences by generation and educational characteristics were not found. Cultural congruity and the coping response of taking a planned, positive action were the strongest predictors of psychological well-being accounting for 31% of the variance. The study’s findings challenge stereo-types of Latina students in higher education, as they valued higher education, believed that they could overcome any barriers to achieve their educational goals, and used active coping responses, which informed their positive and healthy functioning.
248 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the reliability and validity of the Brief Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II) using two samples of Mexican American children: 292 middle school students from a mid-sized culturally diverse southwestern city, and 116 third-through fifth graders in culturally homogeneous rural elementary schools.
Abstract: This study investigated the reliability and validity of the Brief Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARSMA-II) using two samples of Mexican American children: 292 middle school students from a mid-sized culturally diverse southwestern city, and 116 third-through fifth graders in culturally homogeneous rural elementary schools. Results provided evidence of the reliability and validity of this measure of acculturation for both age levels. Factor analysis supported the two-scale structure reported by Cuellar. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was adequate for both samples. Validity was demonstrated by the significant association between the distribution of acculturation status and sample group. Language of form (English or Spanish) selected by the student was correlated with acculturation status.
135 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the validity and factorial invariance of an attitudinal measure of familism was investigated using a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. Hispanics.
Abstract: This article considers the validity and factorial invariance of an attitudinal measure of familism. Using a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. Hispanics, the validity and factorial invariance of the measure was tested across country of origin (United States, Mexico, and Latin America) and the language in which the survey was conducted (Spanish and English). Results support the invariance of the measure in both group comparisons, suggesting that the measure assesses a quality of familism that persists across country of origin and language preference. Further, the results also support equality in mean factor levels across these groups.
134 citations
TL;DR: This article found that positive feelings toward language brokering may result in stronger feelings toward the ethnic group and greater ethnic identity among Latino adolescents, while those who were less acculturated are translating more frequently than those who are more acculturated.
Abstract: Children of immigrant parents often translate written and face-to-face communication for parents and other adults, also known as language brokering. Fifty-five sixth-grade, Latino adolescents report their experiences and feelings toward language brokering, their level of acculturation, and their ethnic identity in a questionnaire. Generally, the participants view language brokering positively. Those who are less acculturated are translating more frequently than those who are more acculturated. Feelings toward language brokering also positively influence level of ethnic identity. This study demonstrates that language brokering may result in stronger feelings toward the ethnic group and greater ethnic identity.
126 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of community involvement in AIDS and gay-related organizations (e.g., volunteerism and activism) and experienced homosexual stigma on three psychological well-being indicators (i.e., self-esteem, depression, and loneliness) were examined.
Abstract: Theories of social integration and stress process posit that community involvement may buffer or may compensate the adverse effects of stigma on psychological well-being. In this article, the authors explore this thesis in a stigmatized and seldom studied group of HIV-positive Latino gay men. Specifically, they examine the effects of community involvement in AIDS and gay-related organizations (e.g., volunteerism and activism) and experienced homosexual stigma on three psychological well-being indicators (i.e., self-esteem, depression, and loneliness). The cross-sectional sample includes 155 HIV-positive men living in New York City and Washington, DC. Results suggest that experienced stigma attributed to homosexuality is associated with psychological well-being. Community involvement, however, seems to compensate the association between stigma and depression and loneliness, while buffering the association with self-esteem. Furthermore, community involvement appears to also heighten the perception of stigma.
107 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the influence of professor and student characteristics on students' preconceptions of college professors and found that Latina professors were viewed as more warm when they had a lenient teaching style and less warm in a strict teaching style when compared with Anglo women professors with respective styles.
Abstract: The present study examined the influence of professor and student characteristics on students’ preconceptions of college professors. Course syllabi for a politically charged social science course were constructed with versions varying by teaching style, professor gender, and professor ethnicity. A total of 633 (44% Latino; 34% African American; 22% Anglo) undergraduates rated the course and the instructor on professor warmth, professor capability, and political bias. Among several findings associated with professor ethnicity and teaching style, Latina professors were viewed as more warm when they had a lenient teaching style andless warm when they hada strict teaching style when compared with Anglo women professors with respective styles. Anglo men students perceived professors as more politically biased than did other students. Results are discussed in the context of aversive racism and a double standard of evaluation for Latino professors.
93 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors look at the development of an immigrant network in a rural town in northeastern Oklahoma and find that the network includes three distinct yet interconnected subnetworks, a traditional subnetwork, a church subnetwork and a contract subnetwork.
Abstract: The growth of the Latino population in the United States has placed a sharp focus on immigration. Previous research on immigration has taken for granted the existence of immigrant networks. This is a significant oversight given their importance in both conveying social capital and their contribution to the growth of immigrant communities. Using data collected in the summer of 2002, the author looks at the development of an immigrant network in a rural town in northeastern Oklahoma. It is determined that the immigrant network in the community under study includes three distinct yet interconnected subnetworks, a traditional subnetwork, a church subnetwork, and a contract subnetwork. Although each of these secondary networks is made up of different social arrangements, they all provide similar services in a similar manner. The services provided within the greater immigrant network have increased the size, strength, and density of the local immigrant community.
81 citations
TL;DR: The blend between Spanish and English found in Hispanic or Latino communities in the United States is usually known as “Spanglish,” and it is suggested in this article that Spanglish represents the most important contemporary linguistic phenomenon in America that has barely been approached from a linguistic point of view.
Abstract: The blend between Spanish and English found in Hispanic or Latino communities in the United States is usually known as “Spanglish.” It is suggested that Spanglish represents the most important contemporary linguistic phenomenon in the United States that has barely been approached from a linguistic point of view. Spanglish may be interpreted in different ways: as a pidgin, a Creole language, an interlanguage, or an anglicized Spanish dialect. Regardless that Spanglish is spoken by millions of people, significant variations within the language are observed. To account for its development, two types of phenomena are proposed: superficial, including borrowing and code-switching; and deep, including lexical-semantic, grammatical, and the “equalization to English” phenomenon. An analysis of both superficial and deep Spanglish phenomena is presented. It is suggested that the future of Spanglish depends on two factors: (a) number of Spanishspeaking immigrants to the United States, and (b) U.S. policies concerning...
65 citations
TL;DR: The strongest risk factors for suicidality was emotional abuse, followed by hard drug use, mother's alcohol-related problems, and sexual abuse, and the strongest protective factors were problem-solving confidence, good relationship with parents and being law abiding as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Multiple ecodevelopmental factors were tested as they influence suicidality in a community sample of Latino adolescent males. Risk factors tested included childhood maltreatment, parental alcohol-related problems, and polysubstance problems. Protective factors included general self-efficacy, social conformity, and family bonding. Male participants (N = 349) were recruited from the Los Angeles area. About 80% of the sample reported some suicidal ideation, and 26% reported a history of at least one suicide attempt. The strongest protective factor for suicidality was problem-solving confidence, followed by a good relationship with parents and being law abiding. The strongest risk factor for suicidality was emotional abuse, followed by hard drug use, mother’s alcohol-related problems, and sexual abuse. Broad-based theories, research, treatment, and prevention efforts are critical to implement with this population.
TL;DR: The authors found that students' level of school attachment is increased by the frequency of attendance at community events and by the number of extracurricular activities in which students engaged, and that some high-risk behaviors were reduced with higher levels of school-attachment.
Abstract: To explore school attachment in a group of rural Latino students in Minnesota, the data from 159 surveys given to students from 14 schools were analyzed. The findings indicate that students’ level of school attachment is increased by the frequency of attendance at community events and by the number of extracurricular activities in which students engaged. Consistent with theories of school attachment was the finding that some high-risk behaviors were reduced with greater levels of school attachment, although limitations of the study prevent generalization to the population of all Latino students. Additionally, students surveyed who were born outside of the United States were found to be more attached to their school than Latino students born in the United States.
TL;DR: The authors draw upon recent work in cognitive neurosciences to suggest that the facilitation effect follows naturally within current psychological theory, which is a view of the mind as consisting of a set of mental blocks.
Abstract: This article draws upon recent work in the cognitive neurosciences to suggest that the facilitation effect follows naturally within current psychological theory. A view of the mind as consisting of...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors include potential predictors of violent behaviors such as beliefs and attitudes, such as belief and attitude, to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV).
Abstract: Although instruments that estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) are available, few include potential predictors of violent behaviors such as beliefs and attitudes. The main pur...
TL;DR: The Implicit Association Test was adapted to assess the degree to which people hold, at least at an implicit level, a stereotype that Hispanics are less intelligent than Whites as mentioned in this paper, and the test was used to assess whether people hold this stereotype.
Abstract: The Implicit Association Test was adapted to assess the degree to which people hold, at least at an implicit level, a stereotype that Hispanics are less intelligent than Whites. On the test, a samp...
TL;DR: In this paper, the reliability and validity of the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R) was investigated to determine if this instrument is appropriate for use with Hispanic college students.
Abstract: Reliability and validity of the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R) was investigated to determine if this instrument is appropriate for use with Hispanic college students. The sample(28males, 177females) consistedof 101participantswho identified as Anglo and 104 who identified as Hispanic (6 did not identify their ethnicity). Participants ranged in age from 17 to 50. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess each of the SCL-90-R’s subscales. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to check for significant differences between Anglo and Hispanic students’pretest scores. The extent to which the SCL-90-R measures change in both samples in a similar way was investigated. The data support the reliability and validity of the SCL-90-R as a measure of psychological symptoms for Hispanic college students.
TL;DR: Results from a longitudinal investigation of Latino immigrants residing in three rural, Midwestern, meatpacking communities are presented as are suggestions for further work and advocacy efforts.
Abstract: The authors describe results from a longitudinal investigation of Latino immigrants residing in three rural, Midwestern, meatpacking communities. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 43 Latino immigrants. Survey data assessed economic strain, community concerns, and community service access and availability; in-depth interviews focused on satisfaction with rural Midwestern residence. The following year, 23 of the original participants were located. They completed the same instruments and engaged in an in-depth interview to assess change during the previous year. Results of this investigation are presented as are suggestions for further work and advocacy efforts.
TL;DR: This article used cluster analysis to identify college orientation profiles of 115 Latino college freshmen from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds and examined the relationship of profiles to their admission to the University of California, Los Angeles.
Abstract: This study used cluster analysis to identify college orientation profiles of 115 Latino college freshmen from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds and examined the relationship of profiles to adj...
TL;DR: This case study reflects on the variety of approaches to health care in a pluralistic immigrant urban enclave in Southern California and how those who reside in an environment where medical syncretism exists apparently see their options very differently from their professional health care providers.
Abstract: This case study reflects on the variety of approaches to health care in a pluralistic immigrant urban enclave in Southern California. In-depth interviews were conducted with a Mexican immigrant woman to explore and understand her health worldview and the strategies she uses in deciding among the diverse health care options available to protect and maintain her family’s health. Kleinman’s typology of health sectors (professional, folk, and popular) is applied to the popular healing practices of the key informant and her own health-seeking behaviors. These expose the conflict between a professional community that relies on categories and binary comparisons and the existence of multiple, simultaneous health care sectors. This case study highlights the paradoxical world of health and illness in a pluralistic medical setting and how those who reside in an environment where medical syncretism exists apparently see their options very differently from their professional health care providers.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report factor structures, reliability, and validity of the Significant Other Academic Support Scale from two different Latino samples of Mexican and Central Ameri... and report factor structure and reliability of the Scale.
Abstract: The purpose of this article was to report factor structures, reliability, and validity of the Significant Other Academic Support Scale from two different Latino samples of Mexican and Central Ameri...
TL;DR: This study suggests that it is possible to improve the physical fitness of low-income Mexican American preadolescent children through a comprehensive school-based health program.
Abstract: Once considered an adult onset disease, type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in low-income Mexican American children. Studies have suggested that most of those so diagnosed were overweight, reported low levels of physical activity, and were generally unaware of their disease. The Bienestar Health Programwas designed to reduce risk factors associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. A major focus of the curriculum is health and physical education. A comparison of intervention and control group students resulted in a significant difference in physical fitness change scores (p < .003) after an 8-month intervention. This study suggests that it is possible to improve the physical fitness of low-income Mexican American preadolescent children through a comprehensive school-based health program.
TL;DR: In this paper, a culturally relevant sexual risk reduction intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory and Theory of Reasoned Action for female sex workers (FSWs) in Mexico is described.
Abstract: Female sex workers (FSW) are at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and putting their clients and other partners at risk for infection. There is considerable evidence that Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-based interventions are effective in reducing high-risk sexual behavior among at-risk populations in the United States. However no studies have been undertaken of such interventions with FSWs in Mexico where high rates of STIs exist and where sex tourism attracts a large number of American clients. This article describes the development of a culturally relevant sexual risk reduction intervention based on SCT and Theory of Reasoned Action for FSWs in Mexico. The intervention was designed to promote consistent use of condoms with clients. Spanish-speaking counselors used motivational interviewing techniques and skill-building exercises to promote behavior change in a clinic-based sample of FSWs. The authors describe the intervention and provide pilot data that demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of this approach. (authors)
TL;DR: For example, this paper found that Hispanic professionals experience higher levels of job stress than do individuals in a normative group, and female participants report significantly higher stress levels than male participants do, while lack of organizational support contributes more to the variability of stress than job pressure.
Abstract: This study explores job stress among a random sample of 219 Hispanic professionals. Participants complete the Job Stress Survey by Spielberger and Vagg and a demographic questionnaire. Responses are analyzedusing descriptive statistics, a factorial analysis of variance, and coefficients of determination. Results indicate that Hispanic professionals participating in this study experience higher levels of job stress than do individuals in a normative group. Furthermore, female participants report significantly higher levels of job stress than male participants do. Lack of organizational support contributes more to the variability of job stress among participants than job pressure does. Results from this study add to the body of knowledge on job stress and to the body of knowledge on work-related outcomes for Hispanic employees.
TL;DR: Eating disorder cases were more likely to report sexual abuse and had experienced more instances and longer duration of abuse, and there was no relationship betweenSexual abuse and type of eating disorder or psychiatric comorbidity.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between sexual abuse and eating disorders in a voluntary community sample of Mexican American women. Eighty eating disorder cases were compared to 110 healthy controls on presence of sexual abuse and on characteristics of the abuse. The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision) and the Eating Disorder Examination were used to determine diagnoses and psychiatric comorbidity. Results indicated that compared to controls, cases were more likely to report sexual abuse and had experienced more instances and longer duration of abuse. For the majority of cases, sexual abuse occurred before onset of eating disorder symptoms. There was no relationship between sexual abuse and type of eating disorder or psychiatric comorbidity. Sexual abuse seems to be a risk factor for disordered eating in Mexican Americans. Prolonged abuse and revictimization may increase this risk.
TL;DR: The Centro San Bonifacio HIV Prevention Program successfully reached a Latino community, increased HIV knowledge, and changed self-perceptions of HIV risk.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community health promotion project to increase HIV knowledge in an urban, immigrant Latino community in Chicago. Latino participants (N = 704) answered q...
TL;DR: This paper examined changes from 1990 to 2000 in the image of Hispanic Americans on wealth, work ethic, violence, and violence in the United States, using data from surveys representative of the adult population of the USA.
Abstract: Data from surveys representative of the adult population of the United States were used to examine changes from 1990 to 2000 in the image of Hispanic Americans on wealth, work ethic, violence, and ...
TL;DR: This paper explored the Portuguese culture-specific phenomenon agonias (meaning “the agonies”) and found a link between the somatic symptoms of agonias and psychological processes, social context, and religious beliefs.
Abstract: Previous research has found that psychiatric symptom expression is inextricably linked with culture and that psychiatric categories do not necessarily reflect the experiences of people from other cultures. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study explored the Portuguese culture-specific phenomenon agonias (meaning “the agonies”). Fifty (21 males and 29 females) Portuguese immigrants from the Azores were interviewed concerning their immigration experience, family life, health, healing, suffering, and understanding of agonias. Although there was diversity among the participants’ responses, a cohesive and systemic understanding of agonias arose from the narratives. A link between the somatic symptoms of agonias and psychological processes, social context, and religious beliefs was demonstrated, and highlighted that psychiatric categories are limited when classifying a multidimensional experience like agonias.
TL;DR: The authors found that Latinos are significantly more likely to identify as Republican versus Democrats based on their retention of traditional Latino family values and ideals, their self-identification along ethnic lines, and their overall trust of politicians and view of politicians' concern for Latinos.
Abstract: The past few elections have witnessed an increased contestation of votes across racial and ethnic identities, especially with regard to Latinos. As such, this article explores and reports on the important relationship between Latino identity and political party identification. Using the 2002 National Survey of Latinos (with its representative sample of nearly 3,000 Latinos), it is found that in addition to traditional measures of party identification, Latinos are significantly and considerably more likely to identify themselves as Republican versus Democrats based on their retention of traditional Latino family values and ideals, their self-identification along ethnic lines, and their overall trust of politicians and view of politicians’ concern for Latinos. Implications for future party identification and political strategy are far ranging and discussed.
TL;DR: A process flow analysis of the steps required to create and validate a 30-page survey instrument to Spanish finds that personnel and overhead account for 60% and 33%, respectively, of the total costs.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to conduct a cost analysis from an institutional perspective of translating an English-language survey instrument to Spanish. The authors conduct a process flow analysis of the steps required to create and validate a 30-page survey instrument with 211 items. The identified steps in the translation process cost $10,426. Personnel and overhead account for 60% and 33%, respectively, of the total costs. The detailed process of translating an English-language survey instrument to Spanish can be expensive but may be a critical component for the validity of a research study.
TL;DR: The authors compared the prevalence and causes of employment hardship between Mexican origin and white women using data from the March 1992, 1996, and 2000 Current Population Surveys (CPS) using logistic regression.
Abstract: This study compares the prevalence and causes of employment hardship between Mexicanorigin and White women. Data come from the March 1992, 1996, and 2000 Current Population Surveys. Using logistic ...