Family and Community Health
Volume 42, Issue 4, 2019, Pages 271-282

Central American Immigrant Mothers' Mental Health in the Context of Illegality: Structural Stress, Parental Concern, and Trauma (Article)

Letiecq B.L.* , Mehta S. , Vesely C.K. , Goodman R.D. , Marquez M. , Moron L.P.
  • a College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
  • b College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
  • c College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
  • d College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States
  • e Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, Alexandria, VA, United States
  • f Child Trends, Bethesda, MD, United States

Abstract

Using a community-based participatory research approach, we surveyed 134 undocumented Central American immigrant mothers to examine correlates of maternal mental health. Drawing upon an ecosystemic framework, predictors of depression included structural and familial stressors, parental concerns, and maternal health factors. Mothers' perceptions of child affect, traumatic stress, and general health ratings were among the most salient predictors. However, structural and familial stressors, such as food insecurity and single parenting, also accounted for significant variance in depression scores. Findings informed community actions such as advocating for mental health care and building awareness of families' lived experiences within the local school system. © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Author Keywords

Immigrant mothers CBPR Depression family health

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85071978348&doi=10.1097%2fFCH.0000000000000233&partnerID=40&md5=5070a34eafe790d7ccfcb05fdd074957
DOI: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000233
ISSN: 01606379
Original Language: English