Date of Graduation

Winter 12-16-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

First Advisor

David Martinez, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Adrian Aguilera, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Dellanira Garcia, Ph.D.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical pain, chronic pain, socio-cultural factors and mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and nervios among Latinx agricultural workers. Survey data were collected in Northern California (N = 104). The sample of Latinx agricultural workers consisted of 47 (45.2%) female and 57 (54.8%) male respondents. The average age of participants was 43.13 years (SD = 14.37). Over half of participants were married (60.6%). The majority of participants (95.2%) reported Mexico as their country of origin. Most (85.6%) participants reported currently working in agriculture. Two hierarchical multiple linear regressions and one hierarchical binary logistic regression were conducted to assess how physical pain factors and socio-cultural factors predicted depression (Model 1), anxiety (Model 2), and nervios (Model 3). Results showed that high levels of physical pain significantly predicted high levels of depression and anxiety among agricultural workers, but not chronic pain. High levels of familismo (Support from Family) subscale significantly predicted lower levels of depression and anxiety and high levels of marianismo (Silencing Self to Maintain Harmony) subscale significantly predicted lower levels of anxiety, even when controlling for demographics. Physical pain, chronic pain, and socio-cultural factors were not significant predictors of nervios. Being married predicted high levels of anxiety and being employed predicted lower levels of anxiety. Implications of this study show that further research is necessary to explore depression, anxiety, and nervios in relation to physical pain among agricultural workers in order to provide culturally appropriate treatment.

Download

Share

COinS