A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relation Between Acculturation and Depression in Latinx Adults

Introduction: Latinx adults may face elevated stress due to acculturation, the process of adapting to the U.S. culture, placing them at risk for internalizing disorders such as depression. In this meta-analysis we examined the association between acculturation and depression in Latinx adults. Method: Data from 79 studies (86 effect sizes; N = 56,903 U.S.-residing Latinx adults) were meta-analyzed. Results: The overall association between acculturation and depression was r = -.014, p = .193 (random-effects model). The association was significant and positive when the study included mostly men, mostly foreign-born, and younger participants, when acculturation was measured by birth region or time in the U.S., and when depression was measured continuously. Studies that included most older participants and studies that used multidimensional acculturation scales showed significant negative associations between acculturation and depression. All effect sizes were small. Discussion: Overall we found no association between acculturation and depression; however, measurement strategy was a significant moderator. Researchers should consider carefully the limitations of various measures of acculturation when evaluating its associations with other variables.