(PS3-A23) Predictors of Depressive Symptomatology in Latinx Fathers

Latinx individuals experience significant mental health care disparities compared to non-Latinx whites. This is especially the case for Latinx men, who are less likely to be screened and treated for depression than their female and non-Latinx white counterparts. However, little research has examined factors associated with depression in Latinx men. Past studies have found that geriatric Latinx men are more likely to attribute depressive symptoms to familial conflict and moral struggles than non-Latinx men. Broadly across Latinx adults, research has demonstrated that cultural values like familismo are protective against depressive symptoms. In order for clinicians to identify and engage in treatment in a culturally mindful manner, it is important to examine factors associated with depression in this underserved, growing demographic group. This study aims to identify predictors of depression in a diverse sample of Latinx fathers. We hypothesize that greater familial conflict and moral struggles will predict more severe depressive symptoms and that familismo will predict less depressive symptoms. Latinx fathers in the U.S. aged 32 - 48 (N=65) were recruited via community organizations. Participants completed the Hispanic Stress Inventory-2 (HSI-2), Attitudinal Familism Scale (AFS), Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale (RSS-14), and the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire-Short Version (MFQ). Participants reported elevated depressive symptoms, as measured by the MFQ. Average depressive scores (M = 10.89, SD = 5.11, range = 0 - 19) indicated the possible presence of major depression (scores >8). Hierarchical multiple regressions were used to test our hypotheses; all models included age, income, and discrimination in the first step. Results indicated that the full model with familial conflict did not predict depression, R2 = .28, F(4, 60) = 6.06, p = .378, adjusted R2 =.24. The full model with moral struggles did predict depression, R2 = .37, F(4, 60) = 8.64, p = .006, adjusted R2 =.32, such that an increase in moral struggles was associated with a higher level of depression, β = .31, t(61) = 2.87, p = .006. The full model with familismo significantly predicted depression, R2 = .46, F(4, 60) = 12.59, p < .001, adjusted R2 =.42, such that an increase in familismo was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms, β = -.45, t(61) = -4.43, p < .001. As expected, more moral struggles predicted higher depressive symptoms, whereas more familismo predicted lower depressive symptoms. Our results replicate past research that has included geriatric Mexican-American men, and extend the literature to a younger, ethnically diverse population of Latinx fathers. Interestingly, familial conflict was not found to predict depressive symptoms. It is possible that valuing familismo may be preventative of familial conflict, and in turn, depressive symptom severity. Results suggest that assessing for and targeting moral struggles may benefit the identification and treatment of depressive symptoms in Latinx men. Further, our findings suggest that supporting familismo may benefit Latinx men reporting depressive symptoms.