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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able describe the mediating effect of self-esteem on depressive symptoms among community dwelling Hispanic women.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able describe the predictive effect of acculturation and Hispanic stress on depressive symptoms among community dwelling Hispanic women.
The purpose of this study was to utilize Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the predictors of depressive symptoms, as well as self-esteem as a mediator for these symptoms, among community dwelling Hispanic women (N = 548). The conceptual framework was based on the Stress Process Model in which exist sources of stress, mediators of stress and manifestations of stress. Depressive symptoms were viewed as manifestations of stress.
Methods:
SEM was used to create latent variables of Hispanic stress and acculturation and evaluate the relationship between Hispanic stress, acculturation, self-esteem and depressive symptoms.
Results:
The resulting hybrid structural model of depressive symptoms fit the data well (X2(19) = 58.856, p < .0001, CFI = 0.980, RMSEA = 0.062, SRMR = 0.035) and included the latent variables of Hispanic stress and acculturation as predictors of depressive symptoms and self-esteem as a mediator of depressive symptoms.
Conclusion:
Hispanic stress and acculturation are predictors of depressive symptoms and account for 53.2% of the variance including the mediating effect of self-esteem. These findings contribute to existing information for the creation of culturally tailored interventions for screening and treating Hispanic women for depression. Implications to nursing practice and future research are discussed.