Everyday Discrimination and Mental Health: Comparisons Between Latino/a Immigrants and White U.S. Residents

Abstract

Introduction

Substantial research has explored the Hispanic health paradox, or the phenomenon where Latino/a residents in the U.S. often report better mental and physical health relative to white peers. This study assesses the role of immigrant generational status and everyday discrimination for mental health, while considering the importance of geographic location (in this case, Texas).

Method

This study uses data from the Texas Diversity Survey (N = 949) and compares the mental health of 1st generation (n = 118), 2nd generation (n = 98), and native-born Latino/a residents (n = 104) to white immigrant (1st or 2nd generation; n = 50) and native-born white peers (n = 573).

Results

Descriptive statistics suggest Latino/a respondents experience higher levels of race/ethnicity-based everyday discrimination relative to white peers, with 2nd generation Latino/a immigrants reporting the highest levels of everyday discrimination. Negative binomial regression results suggest Latino/a immigrants report significantly better mental health relative to native-born white peers. Native-born Latino/as and white residents also report similar levels of mental distress, with everyday discrimination being positively related to greater mental distress.

Conclusion

Discrimination represents a persistent health threat to the wellbeing of Latino/a Americans, even among groups that demonstrate high resilience, such as Latino/a immigrants.