Factors Contributing to West Indian American Depression

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Immigrant Health

Background:

• Subjective wellbeing and depression are critical mental health indicators.
• West Indian American immigrants face unique psychological stressors.
• Understanding mediating factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors mediating the relationship between subjective wellbeing and depression in West Indian American immigrants.
• To identify the relative contribution of psychological stressors (perceived discrimination, financial strain, acculturative stress).
• To apply an intersectional theoretical framework.

Main Methods:

• Online survey recruitment of 255 West Indian American immigrants.
• Path analysis to examine the mediation of psychological stressors.
• Data collected from a geographically diverse sample.

Main Results:

• Acculturative stress and financial strain significantly predicted depression.
• Financial strain emerged as the primary mediator between subjective wellbeing and depression.
• Both financial strain and acculturative stress are significant psychological stressors for this population.

Conclusions:

• West Indian Americans are particularly vulnerable to financial strain and acculturative stress.
• These stressors are key contributors to depression within the West Indian American community.
• Further research is necessary to fully elucidate these complex relationships.