112. Age of Immigration and Depressive Symptoms among Latinx Young Adults who Arrived in the US as Children: A Test of Mediational Models

Abstract

Immigration to the US at younger age is associated with a higher risk of developing depression. Several theories provide possible explanations for this relationship, but none of have been empirically tested. Cultural Stress Theory suggests that individuals who immigrate at an earlier age will undergo more cumulative stress as they acculturate to the US, eventually leading to depression. The Healthy Migrant Hypothesis posits that only those individuals who are mentally and physically well will make the decision to immigrate; however, many children cannot make this decision for themselves, leading to increased migration of younger individuals who may be predisposed to depression.