Stress exposure among mexican americans and non-hispanic whites

Abstract

In this article we examine differences between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites, and between U.S.- and Mexico-born Mexican Americans, in exposure to two sources of stress: life events and ongoing strains. Data were obtained from a survey of 1,244 Mexican-American and 1,149 non- Hispanic White randomly selected community residents. There were few ethnic differences in life events, although non-Hispanic Whites were more likely to report desirable or ambiguous events. Mexican-American immigrants were less likely than their U.S.-born counterparts to report most events. In contrast, Mexican Americans, especially immigrants, reported greater ongoing strain than non-Hispanic Whites. Different kinds of life events were associated with each type of strain.