Date of Conferral

9-8-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Carlos Diaz-Lazaro

Abstract

Nigerian immigrants represent one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the United States. Relocating to a new country can be a major source of stress, often increasing individuals’ vulnerability to mental health challenges. While considerable research has examined predictors of depression in the general population and among certain immigrant groups, limited attention has been given to these factors in the context of Nigerian immigrants in the U.S. This study aimed to address that gap by applying Berry’s acculturation theory to investigate predictors of depression within this population. A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational survey design was used to examine whether acculturation, socioeconomic status, gender, coping self-efficacy, and perceived discrimination predict depression. Using a nonprobability convenience sampling method, 111 participants were recruited to complete the survey. Results from multiple regression analysis identified coping self-efficacy as the only statistically significant predictor of depression. Although perceived discrimination was positively correlated with depression in bivariate analyses, it did not remain significant in the multiple regression model. These findings suggest that enhancing coping self-efficacy may be a key protective factor against depression. The study’s implications for positive social change include encouraging mental health professionals to design targeted support programs that build psychological resilience and promote well-being among Nigerian immigrant communities in the United States.

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