Perceived Stress and Depressive Symptoms Among Recent Latino/a Immigrants: The Moderating Effects of Emotion Regulation and Dispositional Mindfulness

Their initial years in the U.S. can be stressful for recent Latino/a immigrants (RLIs). This study examines the association between perceived stress and depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of emotion regulation and dispositional mindfulness. Cross-sectional data from an ongoing longitudinal study of RLIs was used. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to examine simple main effects of the predictor variables on depressive symptoms. The study also tested the moderating effects of emotion regulation and dispositional mindfulness on the association between perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Greater perceived stress and cognitive reappraisal were associated with greater depressive symptoms. Lower levels of appraisal and higher levels of non-reactivity mindfulness strengthened the association between perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Findings can inform the development of culturally tailored interventions that account for distinct aspects of emotion regulation and dispositional mindfulness associated with managing stress and decreasing depressive symptoms among RLIs.