Ethnic identity and mental health of Latino people: A systematic review

Abstract: This systematic review investigates the relationship between ethnic identity and mental health in the Latino population, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature. Conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the review synthesizes findings from studies published between 2000 and 2024 across three major databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. A comprehensive search strategy was employed, utilizing 25 keywords categorized into three main concepts: population, predictor, and outcomes. The review identified 62 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, revealing significant associations between ethnic identity and various mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety and psychological well-being. The findings underscore the importance of cultural and ethnic identity shaping mental health experiences among Latinos, suggesting that a strong ethnic identity may serve as protective factor against psychological distress. This research highlights the need for culturally informed mental health interventions and further exploration of the complexities surrounding ethnic identity in diverse Latino populations.