Understanding the Relationship Between Social Stressors, Trauma, and Somatic Symptoms Among Latina Immigrant Women
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Gabino J Abarca1, Stephanie N Tornberg-Belanger1, Daron Ryan1
1University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Background:
Latina immigrant women are at increased risk for poor mental health. Little is known about factors associated with somatic symptoms, the physical manifestation of distress, in this population. This study examined associations between social stressors, trauma, and somatic symptoms.
Methods:
This study used survey data from a community-based sample of Latina immigrant women (n = 154). We determined the frequency of somatic symptoms and used linear regressions to estimate associations of stressors and trauma with physical symptoms.
Results:
Most participants reported mild or moderate levels of somatic symptom severity. In univariate models, all social stressors and trauma types were significantly associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms. A multivariate model suggested perceived stress was associated with increased somatic symptoms after accounting for other stressors and trauma.
Discussion:
Future research should examine whether stress and trauma lead to higher levels of somatic symptoms among Latina immigrants.
More Related Videos
11:13The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
05:03Author Spotlight: Unveiling Mechanisms of Stress Resilience - Significant Findings, Advancements, and Future Research
Published on: December 15, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Psychological Responses to Stress