Strength factors among women of Mexican descent.

Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satisfaction, and perceived energy level) as variables, even fewer include strength factors together with acculturation in the same study. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this analysis is to describe and examine the relationships between strength factors, risk factors such as acculturation and substance use, resource factors including financial adequacy and education, and the health and illness factor of perceived health status among a convenience sample of 315 low-income women of Mexican descent, ages 21 to 40. Cross-sectional survey data were collected and analyzed. Results show intragroup differences related to the well-being of women of Mexican descent living with low incomes in urban settings.