A Multidimensional Developmental Approach to Understanding Intragroup Marginalization and Mental Health Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults of Mexican Descent

Abstract

The present study investigates whether different forms of intragroup marginalization (IM) are associated with depressive symptoms, suicide risk, life satisfaction, and self-esteem for Mexican descent adolescents and emerging adults.Furthermore, we will investigate whether these associations vary by developmental period. The sample included 722 Mexican descent adolescents and emerging adults (age range = 14-25 years, M = 19.69 years, SD = 1.75 years; 65.9% women). Higher IM-Family was related to higher depressive symptoms, suicide risk, and lower life satisfaction and self-esteem. Higher IM-Friends was related to higher depressive symptoms and suicide risk, and lower life satisfaction and self-esteem. Developmental period moderated the relationship between IM-Friends on depressive symptoms, suicide risk, and self-esteem. In addition, it moderated the relationship between IM-Ethnic Group on suicide risk.The results of this study demonstrate that the various IM dimensions are differentially associated with mental health outcomes for Latinx adolescents and emerging adults. Furthermore, these associations sometimes vary depending on the developmental period membership.