Sexual Relationships in Hispanic Countries: a Literature Review

This is a pre-print of an article published in Current Sexual Health Reports. The final authenticated version is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00272-6Purpose of Review: Sexuality is a complex dimension for which culture seems to play an important role, particularly in countries that are more traditional. This review summarizes the knowledge about sexual relationships in Hispanic countries, considering sexual debut, attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction. Recent Findings: In line with the literature reviewed, the sexual double standard seems to be continuing to influence sexual relationships. Some countries show more open expressions of sexuality based on the level of gender inequality or sexualized context, and within countries, variables such as religious commitment, family characteristics, and access to resources may play important roles in sexuality. Summary: Future research, policies, and interventions should consider these specific characteristics, including these forms of expression of sexuality, in the adjustment of cross-cultural and cross-national strategies

Immigration, Acculturation and Chronic Back and Neck Problems Among Latino-Americans

Higher acculturation is associated with increased obesity and depression among Latino-Americans, but not much is known about how acculturation is related to their prevalence of back and neck problems. This study examines whether acculturation is associated with the 12-month prevalence of self-reported chronic back or neck problems among US-born and immigrant Latinos. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis of data from 2,553 noninstitutionalized Latino adults from the 2002–2003 National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS). After adjusting for demographic, physical and mental health indicators, English proficiency, nativity and higher generational status were all significantly positively associated with the report of chronic back or neck problems. Among immigrants, the proportion of lifetime in the US was not significantly associated. Our findings suggest that the report of chronic back or neck problems is higher among more acculturated Latino-Americans independent of health status, obesity, and the presence of depression

Immigration Stress and Relationship Satisfaction in Latino Couples: the Role of Dyadic Coping

Falconier MK, Nussbeck FW, Bodenmann G. Immigration Stress and Relationship Satisfaction in Latino Couples: the Role of Dyadic Coping. Journal Of Social And Clinical Psychology. 2013;32(8):813-843.This study examined (a) the relationship of Latino partners' overall immigration stress and each of its different dimensions with their relationship satisfaction and (b) whether a partner's support (supportive dyadic coping) and the couple's conjoint efforts to cope with stress (common dyadic coping) can moderate those relationships. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny, 1996) was used to analyze self-report data collected from 104 Latino immigrant couples in the U.S. Structural equation modeling results suggest that common dyadic coping and the supportive dyadic coping provided by the male partner can attenuate the negative association of various aspects of Latinas' immigration stress mostly with her relationship satisfaction and to some extent with her male partner's as well. By contrast, common dyadic coping and the female partner's supportive dyadic coping do not play any moderating role in the relationship between most dimensions of the male immigration stress and either partner's relationship satisfaction. Limitations, research, and clinical implications are discussed