Family Process
Volume 48, Issue 1, 2009, Pages 135-150

Empathic family stress as a sign of family connectedness in Haitian immigrants (Article)

Nicolas G.* , Desilva A. , Prater K. , Bronkoski E.
  • a University of Miami, School of Education, United States, University of Miami, School of Education, 5205 University Dr., Coral Galdes, FL 33146, United States
  • b University of Miami, School of Education, United States
  • c University of Miami, School of Education, United States
  • d University of Miami, School of Education, United States

Abstract

Research on familial experiences has documented the important role of receiving family support, but has not examined the effects of providing such support. Empathic family stress refers to the stress that individuals experience in response to difficult life circumstances of family members. The current study took a first step in examining the empathic family stress of 134 Haitian immigrants. Results from hierarchical regressions indicate that empathic family stress is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, but not acculturative stress, for Haitian immigrants. Findings from the study are examined from a strengths-based perspective, where empathic family stress is viewed as a sign of strong family connections among Haitian immigrants. Recommendations are provided for clinicians working with Haitian immigrants to help them experience empathic family stress in a healthy manner. © 2009 FPI, Inc.

Author Keywords

families Immigrant Haitian Depression Empathic Family Stress

Index Keywords

depression psychological aspect human middle aged Stress, Psychological mental stress Aged ethnology Haiti Young Adult United States Humans Empathy male Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over questionnaire Article Family Relations Questionnaires adult migration family relation
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-61449262882&doi=10.1111%2fj.1545-5300.2009.01272.x&partnerID=40&md5=8ac100f2d39d3770450a16958267e31c
DOI: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01272.x
ISSN: 00147370
Cited by: 21
Original Language: English