The Longitudinal Association Between Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Mental Health Outcomes Among Latine Adolescents in an Agricultural Community

Abstract

PURPOSE: Studies associate mental health disparities among Latine and non-Latine adolescents with exposure to structural inequities and social stressors such as racial/ethnic discrimination (R/ED). Yet, there is limited longitudinal evidence for these relationships among Latine adolescents or how they might differ based on generational status.

METHODS: Data are from a cohort study of Latine adolescents (age 13 years at Wave 1) in California followed for up to 8 years (2015-2023). Exposures included types of R/ED and places where R/ED was experienced (Krieger's Experiences of Discrimination Measure). Outcomes included depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire: 8 > 9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder: 7 > 12). We examined the association between exposures and outcomes in early and middle adolescence, including moderation by generational status, and the association between cumulative exposures during adolescence and outcomes during emerging adulthood. We used generalized estimating equations and generalized linear models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS: Participants (N = 389) were mostly females (56%), second generation (56%), and identified as Latine (96%). At Wave 1, 14% reported depressive symptoms. At Wave 6, 19% reported depressive symptoms and 65% reported anxiety. Depressive symptoms in adolescence were associated with experiencing any type of R/ED (aRR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.23-2.37) and R/ED at school (aRR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.15-2.52) or during medical care (aRR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.04-2.98). Experiencing R/ED > 5 times during adolescence was associated with depressive symptoms (aRR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.17-3.07) and anxiety (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.16-1.57) in emerging adulthood.

DISCUSSION: Repeated R/ED during early adolescence is detrimental for later mental health, with effects persisting in early adulthood. Future interventions must focus on reducing R/ED in schools and medical settings, including in communities with predominantly Latine populations.