Abstract

The impact of acculturation and poor social support as potential risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disease amongst Mexican immigrants to the United States (U.S.) is a developing area of research. One theory is that acculturation to U.S. society is negatively associated with health due to the stress of immigration as well as the less healthy diet and lifestyle in the U.S. It is also theorized that positive social support is associated with better health during immigration due to the buffering effect relationships have on stress. Despite these theories, mixed findings have been found regarding the associations between acculturation and social support to health outcomes in this population. Some research has also noted that significant differences exist between the manner in which men and women experience social support and their acculturation patterns. Consequently, the primary purpose of this study was to test the associations between acculturation and health as well as assess gender, social support, and acculturation for potential moderator effects in a sample of Mexican immigrants in Provo, Utah. Acculturation was measured using the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II (ARMSA-II) which consists of the Anglo Orientation Scale (AOS) and Mexican Orientation Scale (MOS). Social support was determined using both the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) and Sarason Social Support Questionnaire (SSSQ) which has two dimensions: satisfaction with support network and size of support network. Hierarchical multiple regression did not find significant associations between acculturation or social support and health outcomes as measured by ambulatory blood pressure or blood draw values including triglycerides, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). A significant association was observed between Anglo Orientation and social support as measured by the ISEL-II. A moderation effect was observed between gender and Anglo orientation with satisfaction in one's support network. No other moderation effects were observed in this study. Implications of the findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology

Rights

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