Research on core cultural values has been central to behavioral and clinical research in ethnic groups. "Familismo" is one such construct, theorized as the strong identification and attachment of Hispanic persons with their nuclear and extended families. Our anthropological research on this concept among Mexicans and Mexican immigrants in the…

Reliability and validity evidence is provided for the Demographic Index of Cultural Exposure (DICE), consisting of six demographic proxy indicators of acculturation, within two community samples of Mexican-origin adults (N= 497 for each sample). Factor analytic procedures were used to examine the common variance shared between the six demographic…

The authors investigated the content and structure of cultural value orientations associated with how cultural groups view relationships, time, nature, and activity in a group of 107 Latino college and graduate students. The study employed the Visible Racial Ethnic/Identity Attitude Scale and Intercultural Values Inventory. A regression analysis…

The authors present a quantitative analysis and assessment of the symptoms of "ataque de nervios." A sample of 121 individuals living in Puerto Rico provided qualitative and structured data on "ataques de nervios" and psychiatric correlates. A total of 77 participants reported having an "ataque de nervios" during…

The cross-cultural appropriateness of the Mirels and Garrett (1971) Protestant Work Ethic Scale was assessed by comparing the factor structures of Anglo American, Chicano, and Mexican samples. Full scale comparisons indicated endorsement in the following order: Mexicans, Chicanos, and Anglo Americans. Cultural differences in orientation towards…

Administered an acculturation rating scale for Mexican Americans to 844 subjects from 3 different student populations in Texas, to measure the extent to which subjects vary in Mexican versus Anglo orientation and the extent to which they are comfortable with their cultural identity. Internal consistency and validity were found satisfactory. (KS)

Among 190 Hispanic Americans in Nevada, condom use as an AIDS prevention measure appeared to be a male prerogative associated with "being the one who buys the condoms" (mostly males) and machismo practices such as protection of women. Adherence to Hispanic cultural traits was related to education and acculturation. (SV)

McGuire's model of persuasive communication in public communication campaigns provides a framework for examining input variables in HIV/AIDS prevention education with Hispanic populations. Source, message, channel, and receiver factors associated with HIV prevention are analyzed with regard to design and implementation of culturally appropriate…

Discusses an intensive analysis of four major studies on marital decision making within Chicano and Mexican families. Reveals that available data do not substantiate the prevailing myth of macho dominance in decision making within the Hispanic family and that most decisions are made jointly between husband and wife. (SB)

Reports use of social networking to recruit 64 Mexican-American children for an assessment of diet and exercise habits. Describes friendship, social, consanguineal, and coparenthood networks. Compares results of direct contact versus network contact. Discusses implications for recruiting ethnic groups for research. (LFL)

Synthesizes available literature that addresses: (1) utilization patterns of alcohol-related services by Mexican Americans; (2) existing therapeutic approaches which take into account cultural factors; and (3) existing approaches to alcohol abuse education and prevention for this population. Discusses research needs and the need for…

A sleep questionnaire was administered to 80 Mexican American and 80 Anglo elderly, ages 60 to 96. The Mexican American sample reported poorer quality and longer latency of sleep, greater negative affect concerning dreams, longer sleep duration, less dream recall, more regular sleep, and more positive valence towards sleep. (JHZ)

Examines cultural factors that may create tension between relationship-oriented and educational goals for Mexican American men and women. A survey of 546 Mexican American college students assessed cultural orientation (ethnic loyalty, ethnic social orientation, and cultural awareness) and marriage and gender role attitudes. Ethnic loyalty most…

Responses to Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale (SM) by 138 Mexican, 154 Mexican American, and 145 Anglo American undergraduates were analyzed to determine the scale's factorial structure. Clear differences existed in the structure of SM responses for the three ethnic/national groups showing that the meaning of subjects' responses was culturally…

In a pilot study, youth of a small town in the Southwest were surveyed regarding their drug and alcohol use. Mexican American students used drugs more heavily than Anglo students, and Mexican American females were especially heavy users. Compared to a national sample, the total small town sample used more drugs. (JHZ)