The impact of discrimination on mental health symptomology in sexual minority immigrant Latinas

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Abstract

At a time when serious xenophobic and heterosexist sentiment is at the forefront of our country’s political climate, it is incredibly important to explore and understand the links between discrimination and mental health for vulnerable communities. The purpose of this study was to carry out a preliminary exploration of the relations between acculturation to the United States (U.S.), discrimination related to ethnic minority and sexual minority statuses, and mental health symptomatology (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and substance abuse) of sexual minority women who have emigrated to the U.S. from Latin America. A total of 152 women were recruited across the continental U.S. via online and in-person recruitment methods. As hypothesized, findings revealed that increased discrimination was associated with increased symptomatology of depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. However, acculturation was not shown to be associated with mental health for this sample. Recommendations for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

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What works to support LGBTQ refugees?

As yet, there are no published outcome evaluations of programs or practices specifically for LGBTQ refugees. Existing best practice recommendations are based on stakeholder consensus. ▪ Three separate stakeholder consensus reports all yield similar recommendations for addressing the unique needs of this population. All recommendations revolve around creating a “safe space” through specific practices. Evidence […]

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: No evidence about impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

GENDER: Female

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

OUTCOME AREA: Mental Health

POPULATION: Immigrants

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2016

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