New research suggests that Latino teens that experience discrimination-related stress are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and issues with sleep.

Researchers at New York University found that first-generation immigrants and second-generation immigrants are affected differently by discrimination-related stress. Anxiety and depression were more pronounced among Latino teens born in the U.S. to immigrant parents, as opposed to foreign-born teens.

Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority in the U.S., making up 15 percent of the population. Research has shown that many young Latinos face discrimination in their daily lives.

"Discrimination has been linked to a variety of mental health symptoms," Selcuk Sirin, lead author of the study, said in a statement. "Adolescence may be a particularly vulnerable time for discrimination, as forming one's cultural, ethnic, and racial identities is central during this developmental period."

For the study, Srin and his colleagues surveyed 173 Latino teens in New York City high schools during the teens' 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years. Both foreign-born (first-generation) immigrants and U.S.-born (second-generation) immigrants were included.

Overall, the teens' mental health significantly improved over time. Anxiety decreased from 10th to 12th grade, while depression and sleep issues decreased from 10th to 11th grade, and then increased slightly from 11th to 12th grade.

They found that discrimination-related stress was significantly related to an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression. While there was no difference in the amount of discrimination-related stress between U.S.- and foreign-born immigrants, the researchers observed a more detrimental effect among Latino teens born in the U.S.

"The finding may shed light on the 'immigrant paradox,' where second-generation immigrants fare worse than first-generation immigrants in a number of contexts, including mental health," Sirin said. "This may be because foreign-born immigrants are more in touch with aspects of Latino culture that serve a protective role, or because discrimination becomes more noticeable for later generations."

The pattern of improving mental health over time demonstrates the psychological strength and resilience among Latino immigrants, researchers said.

The findings are detailed in the journal Child Development.