Journal of Family Issues
Volume 30, Issue 11, 2009, Pages 1556-1575

Challenges and strategies to maintaining emotional health: Qualitative perspectives of mexican immigrant mothers (Article)

Ornelas I.J. , Perreira K.M. , Beeber L. , Maxwell L.
  • a University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, United States
  • b University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, United States
  • c University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, United States
  • d University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, United States

Abstract

Mexican immigrant mothers face many challenges that put them at increased risk for poor mental health. To understand the factors that lead to the development of depressive symptoms among Mexican immigrant mothers, we analyzed data from 20 qualitative, semistructured interviews. Participants included low-income, Mexican-born mothers of young children living in North Carolina. Most of the mothers in our study reported experiencing depressive symptoms after becoming parents. They expressed their symptoms as feelings of sadness, depression, loneliness, shame, and anxiety. Economic stressors contributing to their emotional health included financial obligations, work, and child care. Social stressors included family separation, social isolation, and discrimination. To cope with these stressors, mothers relied heavily on social networks and community resources. Our results suggest that a combination of both risk and resiliency factors shape the emotional health of Mexican immigrant mothers. © 2009 SAGE Publications.

Author Keywords

Mental health Latino/Hispanic Parenting Immigrant

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70350129015&doi=10.1177%2f0192513X09336651&partnerID=40&md5=956a18852e1e5214556a204908cca94a
DOI: 10.1177/0192513X09336651
ISSN: 0192513X
Cited by: 45
Original Language: English