Social Capital as a Mediator of Housing Instability and Distress Among California Latino Populations: A Multi-Sample Multi-Year Analysis
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Authors
Chavez, Luis
Issue Date
2025
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Covid-19 , Housing , Latino Health , Mental Health , Minority Health
Alternative Title
Abstract
Latinos are one of the largest underrepresented groups in the United States, with about 65 million people, 57.7% of whom are Mexican. In California, where Latinos comprise 40% of the population and over half are renters, they face unique structural and cultural barriers that increase vulnerability to housing instability and psychological distress. While prior research has linked these challenges, limited work has explored subgroup differences, the role of social capital, or changes over time, especially during major public health disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. This dissertation addresses these gaps using three studies based on weighted, multi-sample structural equation modeling (SEM) with California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data. Paper 1 examines how housing instability impacts psychological distress among Mexican and non-Mexican Latinos. Results show strict measurement invariance and similar levels of distress between subgroups, with slightly higher effects for non-Mexicans (β = 0.24) than Mexicans (β = 0.23). Compared to Whites (β = 0.29) and the general non-Latino population (β = 0.26), both Latino groups reported lower distress, suggesting protective cultural or social influences. Paper 2 introduces neighborhood support, neighborhood trust, and civic engagement as mediators. The total effect of housing instability on distress was consistent (TE = 0.24) across Latino subgroups, but only Mexican Latinos showed significant mediation through all three indicators; for non-Mexicans, only neighborhood support was significant. Compared to Whites (TE = 0.30) and non-Latinos (TE = 0.27), Latinos again demonstrated lower total effects. Paper 3 explores temporal changes by comparing Latino Californians from 2021 (post-shutdown) and 2023 (post-state of emergency). Measurement invariance held, but structural invariance did not, indicating shifting relationships over time. The effect of housing instability on distress was stronger in 2021 (β = 0.23, TE = 0.50) than in 2023 (β = 0.17, TE = 0.39), while the mediating roles of neighborhood support and trust weakened. These findings suggest that while housing instability consistently predicts distress among Latinos, subgroup and temporal variations shape how social capital mitigates its impact. This dissertation underscores the need to disaggregate Latino subgroups, consider time-based changes, and invest in community-level supports to address housing-related distress.