Cultural Strengths of Latino-American Subgroups: Differential Associations With Their Self-Rated Mental and Physical Health

Abstract

Few studies have examined subgroup differences regarding the role of collective cultural strengths among Latinos, the largest minority population in the United States today. Based on cultural and social psychologists’ emphasis on their importance to minorities, this study explored the association of three cultural factors with self-reported mental and physical health for three Latino subgroups identified in the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). Relative to Cubans, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans experienced poorer physical health and, not surprisingly, more religious involvement. Cubans reported stronger ethnic identity and social support (SS) and were socioeconomically more affluent compared with both Puerto Ricans and Mexicans. Multivariate analyses revealed positive effects of religious attendance on the mental and physical health of Puerto Ricans, controlling for the negative role of discrimination and other known predictors. Racial/ethnic identity was linked with better mental health of all three Latino subgroups, whereas SS had no significant effect.