Psychological Stress of Hispanics Living on the Border

This paper examines before and after perceived stress scores (PSS) of Hispanic women participating in a brief community health promotion program. Scores declined dramatically and significantly after the intervention, approximating those of Hispanics nationally. Post PSS were significantly correlated with language preference (Spanish), educational level, employment, having gone to jail or been in detention, and income. In the regression model, language preference and income were significant. We suggest emotional fear at the onset of participation in the program may exert an influence on pre-PSS scores, and that increased familiarity/rapport with program staff and having social psychological needs met may ameliorate this fear. Preference for Spanish, the language spoken at home for the majority of participants, may indicate a resistance to acculturating to mainstream culture, and, consequently, create a buffer against perceived stress.