Personal and interpersonal mediators linking acculturation stress to aggressive behavior in latino adolescents

This chapter discusses a study that we conducted to examine pathways that lead to aggressive behavior in Latino adolescents. Adolescent mental health, risk-taking, family environment, and friendships with peers were investigated as potential mediators linking acculturation stress to adolescent aggression. Path analyses were conducted using data collected at 3 time points from a sample of 286 adolescents, 66% of whom were born outside of the United States. Our findings indicated that acculturation stressors, rather than assimilation measures, were associated with baseline aggression, Time 2 parent-adolescent conflict, and Time 2 adolescent substance use. We trace mediation pathways through internalizing problems, parent-adolescent conflict, negative friend associations, and adolescent substance use to incidence of aggressive behavior 6 months later. Findings show involvement in Latino culture is an asset positively connected to familism and self-esteem, and ultimately leads to lower levels of adolescent aggression. The discussion includes implications for practice and study limitations.