Relations of support seeking and life satisfaction among Latina/o immigrants in the Midwest

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] An emerging number of Latina/o immigrants are settling in new locations across the U.S. The U.S. census demonstrates the higher proportion of immigrants recently residing in the Midwest (Passel, Cohn, and Lopez, 2011). States such as Missouri, report an increase of 79% in the Latina/o population from 2000 to 2010 (Pew Research Center, 2011). While the number of immigrants has increased in communities across Missouri, not enough information is known about how they are doing and the quality of life that they experience. Utilizing the Livelihood Strategies Model, this study examined how varied sources of social support as well as acculturation affect Latina/o immigrants' satisfaction with life. In this study, 345 Latina/o immigrants, (n= 189 male, n= 156 female) from three rural communities in Missouri were interviewed. A multiple regression was performed to examine how different sources of support (friends, family, church, and employer) and acculturation (Latino acculturation; Anglo acculturation) affect Latina/o immigrants' life satisfaction. Results from this study indicate that the likelihood of seeking support from family, likelihood of seeking support from church, and Latino acculturation were significantly related to Latina/o immigrants' satisfaction with life. Additionally, likelihood of seeking support from friends, employer and Anglo acculturation were not significantly related to Latina/o immigrants' satisfaction with life. The limitations as well as the implications for counselors and community leaders are discussed. Suggestions for future research are provided.