The Influence of Parent-Youth Shared Language Erosion on Hispanic Immigrant Youth Anxiety Problems

OBJECTIVE: Shared language erosion (SLE) may contribute to anxiety in Hispanic immigrant youth by increasing stress and parent-youth conflict. This study examined the relationship between SLE and anxiety, considering parent-youth conflict and youth perceived stress as possible mediating factors. METHODS: Data were collected from 107 Hispanic immigrant 7th-grade youth (53% females) and their parents (88% mothers). Path analysis was used to test the mediation model. RESULTS: Model fit was good: χ2(1) = 1.28, p = .26; RMSEA = 0.05; CFI = 1.00; and SRMR = 0.03. The effect of SLE on youth anxiety was fully mediated by youth perceived stress. In addition, SLE was associated with stress both directly and indirectly through parent-youth conflict. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest SLE may be a contributing factor to anxiety among Hispanic immigrant youth and a novel intervention target to help reduce stress-related mental, emotional, and behavioral health problems among Hispanic immigrant youth-an increasing at-risk segment of the U.S. population.