Acculturation and Depression Among Puerto Ricans in the Mainland‪.‬

The relationship between acculturation and depression in a sample of 1,510 Puerto Ricans residing in the U.S. was examined. Acculturation was measured by assessing subjects' spoken, preferred, read, and written language. Depression was evaluated by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The scale yielded a three-factor structure for depression that included depressive affect/somatic, interpersonal, and positive affect dimensions. Low acculturation was associated with low positive affect. Higher acculturated men reported high levels of depressive affect/somatic symptoms. No curvilinear relationships were found. Implications of these findings for working with culturally diverse clients are discussed. KEY WORDS: acculturation; CES-D; depression; Latinos; mental health