Cultural and contextual risk and resilience processes in the family stress model for Latino families
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Alexandra M. Cupito (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Gabriela Stein
Abstract: Informed by previous research on the family stress model, the current study extends past research by exploring the role of cultural risk and resilience processes for Latina mothers facing economic hardship in a semi-rural emerging immigrant community in the U.S. Southeast. One hundred seventy-five mothers of adolescents recruited from the 7th and 8th grades of 2 middle schools completed in home interviews and questionnaires. The vast majority of mothers immigrated to the United States (98%), while the majority of their adolescent children (87%) were born in the United States. As hypothesized, economic stress mediated the relationship between economic hardship and maternal depressive symptoms. Also consistent with hypotheses, cultural based stress (i.e., discrimination and a lack of English language proficiency) was related to greater maternal depressive symptoms. Religious beliefs, material success values and familism obligation and support values failed to buffer against the detrimental effects of economic hardship and economic pressure. Immigrant mothers face the challenge of simultaneously navigating a new culture in which they may not feel welcomed and struggling to make ends meet for their families. Overall, this study suggests the family stress model is applicable to Latino families in an emerging immigrant community. Thus, the results suggest interventions should target increased access to community resources, greater educational opportunities for adults, managing experiences of discrimination, and improving Latina mothers’ ability to cope with stress.
Cultural and contextual risk and resilience processes in the family stress model for Latino families
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Created on 8/1/2018
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2018
- Keywords
- Cultural Stress, Cultural Values, Family Stress Model, Latino Families
- Subjects
- Hispanic American mothers $x Mental health
- Hispanic American families $x Psychology
- Families $x Psychological aspects
- Immigrant families