Interamerican Journal of Psychology
Volume 46, Issue 3, 2012, Pages 395-402

Illuminating the shadows:Sociopolitical and counseling needs of undocumented Mexican immigrants [Iluminando las sombras: Las necesidades sociopolíticas y psicológicas de inmigrantes indocumentados Mexicanos] (Article)

Hipolito-Delgado C.P. , Mann J.
  • a California State University, Long Beach, United States
  • b University of Colorado, Denver, United States

Abstract

Although undocumented Mexican immigrants live in the shadows of U.S. society, they represent a growing demographic with unique sociopolitical and counseling needs. Due to limited educational achievement, limited economic opportunity, discrimination, and exclusionary policies, undocumented Mexican immigrants live a marginalized existence. Additionally, acculturative stress, changing gender roles, and fear of deportation negatively impact the psychological well-being of undocumented Mexican immigrants. Fortunately, community outreach, rapport building strategies, psycho-educational groups, and brief solution therapy have demonstrated success when working with this community. This article aims to inform counselors and psychologists about the sociopolitical conditions faced by undocumented Mexican immigrants, to explore the mental health needs that result from these conditions, and to propose interventions to address these needs.

Author Keywords

Acculturative stress Changing gender roles Undocumented mexican immigrants

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84876236329&partnerID=40&md5=671887839c0a92bb78235bb270974bc6

ISSN: 00349690
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English; Spanish