ANN ARBOR—Latino youth who strongly identify with their ethnic group are less likely to develop symptoms of depression, according to a University of Michigan study.

Previous research has shown that depression affects both U.S.-born and immigrant Latinos of all ages at higher rates than members of any other ethnic-racial group.

Latino adolescents are at elevated risk for depression, so it is important that we identify ways to protect them,” said Fernanda Lima Cross, a U-M doctoral candidate in developmental psychology. “Their ethnic-racial identity, as they develop ethnic pride and learn about what it means to be Latino, may serve as a buffer against depression.”

The goal of the current study, published in the journal Development and Psychopathology, was to better understand the aspects of adolescent development about ethnic-racial identity and how it relates to the development of depressive symptoms among Latino youth.

Read the full article at Michigan News.