Identifier

etd-0128102-201502

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Sociology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the relationship between immigration and mental health. I used data from a health and migration study of Mexican immigrant women in a Houston community. I found a statistically significant negative relationship between family social support and feelings of depression. Thus, family social support may have buffered some harmful effects of immigrating to the United States. However, I found inconsistent results with labor market variables that may be due to a measurement problem. Both employment variables were statistically significant (p<.05) for models (predictor, predictor and control) including loss of interest and these variables remained significant after control variables were added. Unfortunately, only one of the work variables--the number of months the respondent worked--was in the predicted direction. Contrary to expectations, the other employment variable (ever worked) was negatively related to a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.

Date

2001

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Wes Shrum

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.663

Download

Included in

Sociology Commons

Share

COinS