Advisor(s)

Frank Puga

Committee Member(s)

Andres Azuero
Caitlin Wolford-Clevenger
Michael Crowe
Olivio Clay

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

1-27-2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Hispanic & Latinx (H&L) family caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) experience high levels of stress that can negatively impact their mental health and may turn to social networking sites (SNS, commonly known as ‘social media’) for coping or social support. However, no research has yet examined how SNS use influences H&L caregiver mental health. The primary purpose of the present study was to characterize patterns of SNS use among H&L ADRD family caregivers and examine the associations between SNS use and caregivers’ mental health and well-being. Data for the present study come from the ongoing “Nuestros Días” (Our Days) study. Participants (n=157) completed a baseline survey followed by 21 daily diary surveys assessing their SNS use and mental health experiences. The primary goals of this project were 1) To examine variations in the day-to-day social media use and mental health experiences of H&L ADRD caregivers using multilevel modeling; 2) To characterize social media use developmental trajectories among H&L ADRD caregivers using group-based trajectory modeling; and 3) To determine contextual and individual factors that predict trajectory group membership. The overall goal of the present study was to provide an innovative, in-depth examination of daily and long-term use of SNS among H&L ADRD caregivers and its effects on caregivers’ mental health. Findings provide key guidance to appropriately inform interventions and clinical recommendations aiming to support well-being and social connection among H&L ADRD caregivers, a population with increased ADRD risk and caregiving burden that places them at a higher risk for poor mental health outcomes.

Keywords

Hispanic;Latinx;longitudinal;mental health;social media

ProQuest Publication Number

32402774

ISBN

9798273380578

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