Latino Adolescents’ Adjustment,Maternal Depressive Symptoms,and the Mother‐Adolescent Relationship*

Abstract: This study examined associations between adolescent behaviors, maternal depressive symptoms, and mother‐adolescent relationships. Latina mothers and adolescents (111 dyads) completed questionnaires and participated in videotaped discussions. Mothers’ depressive symptoms related to adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing behaviors and family satisfaction. Observed maternal behavior during a conflict conversation also related to adolescent substance use. Family satisfaction partially mediated the relation between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescents’ substance use. Clinical implications for working with Latino adolescents are discussed.