Perceived Racial Discrimination, Anxiety Sensitivity, and Mental Health Among Latinos in a Federally Qualified Health Center

This investigation examined the explanatory role of anxiety sensitivity in the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and anxiety– depressive symptoms and disorders among Latinos seeking health services at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Participants included 202 Spanishspeaking Latino adults (86.1% female; M_age = 38.99 years, SD = 12.43) who completed a structured interview and study measures. Results indicated perceived racial discrimination was indirectly related to depression, social anxiety, anxious arousal, and mood and anxiety disorders through anxiety sensitivity. Indirect effects were of medium-large size for all criterion variables. Observed effects were evident above and beyond variance accounted for by age, gender, marital status, and years in the United States. Comparative models revealed significant bidirectional effects from anxiety sensitivity via perceived racial discrimination in relation to anxiety– depressive symptoms and disorders. The current results suggest anxiety sensitivity may be an individual difference factor that serves as a mechanism between perceived racial discrimination and mental health among Latino adults, but these 2 constructs may also maintain bidirectional relations with 1 another.