Lifetime segmented assimilation trajectories and health outcomes in Latino and other community residents.
OBJECTIVE
Under an ecodevelopmental framework, we examined lifetime segmented assimilation trajectories (diverging assimilation pathways influenced by prior life conditions) and related them to quality-of-life indicators in a diverse sample of 258 men in the Phoenix, AZ, metropolitan area.


METHODS
We used a growth mixture model analysis of lifetime changes in socioeconomic status, and used acculturation to identify distinct lifetime segmented assimilation trajectory groups, which we compared on life satisfaction, exercise, and dietary behaviors. We hypothesized that lifetime assimilation change toward mainstream American culture (upward assimilation) would be associated with favorable health outcomes, and downward assimilation change with unfavorable health outcomes.


RESULTS
A growth mixture model latent class analysis identified 4 distinct assimilation trajectory groups. In partial support of the study hypotheses, the extreme upward assimilation trajectory group (the most successful of the assimilation pathways) exhibited the highest life satisfaction and the lowest frequency of unhealthy food consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
Upward segmented assimilation is associated in adulthood with certain positive health outcomes. This may be the first study to model upward and downward lifetime segmented assimilation trajectories, and to associate these with life satisfaction, exercise, and dietary behaviors.
Castro
Felipe González
FG
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA. felipe.castro@asu.edu
Marsiglia
Flavio F
FF
Kulis
Stephen
S
Kellison
Joshua G
JG
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001130:Arizona / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult