Application of the Minority Stress Theory: Understanding the Mental Health of Undocumented Latinx Immigrants.
Am J Community Psychol
; 66(3-4): 325-336, 2020 12.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32776579
ABSTRACT
This paper applies the Minority Stress framework to data collected from an ongoing community-based participatory research project with health and social service agencies in Southeast Michigan. We examine the stressors and coping strategies employed by undocumented Latinx immigrants and their families to manage immigration-related stress. We conducted in-depth interviews with 23 immigrant clients at Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHC) in Southeast Michigan and 28 in-depth interviews with staff at two FQHC's and a non-profit agency serving immigrants. Findings suggest that immigrants face heightened anxiety and adverse mental health outcomes because of unique minority identity-related stressors created by a growing anti-immigrant social environment. Chronic stress experienced stems from restrictive immigration policies, anti-immigrant rhetoric in the media and by political leaders, fear of deportation, discriminatory events, concealment, and internalized anti-immigrant sentiment. Though identity can be an important effect modifier in the stress process, social isolation in the immigrant community has heightened the impact of stress and impeded coping strategies. These stressors have resulted in distrust in community resources, uncertainty about future health benefits, delayed medical care, and adverse mental health outcomes. Findings provide a framework for understanding the unique stressors experienced by immigrants and strategies for interventions by social service agencies.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Estresse Psicológico
/
Hispânico ou Latino
/
Saúde Mental
/
Imigrantes Indocumentados
/
Grupos Minoritários
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Community Psychol
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos