Social Concern Theory and Family Violence Among Latino Families.

This paper examines whether Agnew's Social Concern Theory can be applied to explain family violence perpetration among Latino families. Social concern theory maintains that people have biological inclinations to care for the welfare of others, desire close ties with certain individuals, follow certain moral intuitions, and conform to the behaviors of others. As such, this study tests whether an individual's social capital (care about the welfare of others), familismo (desire for close ties), code of the streets (moral intuitions), and obligation to obey the police (conformity to social norms) is associated with family violence among a Latino sample. Using data from the El Paso Neighborhood Survey Project, which surveyed a random sample of 1,059 adults living in El Paso County, Texas in 2014, findings indicate that three of out of four theoretical constructs in the final model were found to be significant. Higher levels of social capital and familismo were associated with lower odds of perpetrating family violence, while code of the streets increased family violence. Obligation to obey the police was non-significant. Agnew's theory modestly explained family violence among Latino families.

Psychosocial and Cultural Processes Underlying the Epidemiological Paradox within U.S. Latino Sexual Risk: A Systematic Review.

According to the epidemiological paradox, less acculturated Latina/o youth display fewer sexual risk behaviors. A systematic review was performed on psychosocial and cultural mechanisms potentially underlying the epidemiological paradox in sexual risk behaviors of U.S. Latina/o youth across acculturation measures (between January 2000 to October 2022). Thirty-five publications (n = 35) with forty-eight analyses of underlying mechanisms met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one results from twenty-three publications found supporting evidence that one of the five factors was an underlying mechanism in the epidemiological paradox (n = 13 parenting practices, n = 4 peer influences, n = 4 familismo values, n = 4 religiosity, n = 6 traditional gender norms) as, generally protective, mediators or moderators in the link between acculturation and sexual risk behaviors. Studies varied in the sexual risk behavior examined and measurement of acculturation, but primarily employed cross-sectional designs and recruited samples through schools. Mechanisms that enhance close ties and unity of the family, such as those of familismo values and positive parenting, reduce the likelihood of sexual risk behaviors as Latina/o youth become more acculturated. Future directions are discussed which may provide guidance for risk prevention and intervention.

Familismo neutralizes the effects of discrimination on suicide-related thoughts and behaviors in Latinx young adults.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among Latinx young adults. Given Latinx young adults are one of the fastest growing subgroups in the United States, this raises significant public health concern. Perceived discrimination has consistently been identified as a risk factor and has been positively associated with depressive symptoms, further exacerbating risk for the development of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. Critical to understanding Latinx mental health is familismo, a core cultural value that entails connectedness, dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. Moreover, it involves seeking family for advice and support. The current study sought to examine depressive symptoms as mediator for the relation between perceived discrimination and suicide-related thoughts and behaviors while investigating familismo as a moderator in attenuating these relations within a college aged Latinx sample (N = 1037, 75.3% female, Mage = 21, SD = 4.49). Across models, depressive symptoms explained the relation between perceived discrimination and suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (p ≤0.001-0.024) with familismo significantly acting as moderator (p = .009). In exploring the protective effects of an important Latinx cultural value on a growing public health disparity, the current study provides novel insight that may be used to tailor and adapt current intervention and prevention efforts for Latinx young adults at risk for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors.

Cultural values as a resilience resource for Latino/a adolescents and young adults coping with parental cancer.

Purpose: Although research on how adolescents and young adults (AYAs) cope with their own cancer is expanding, there is little knowledge on how AYAs cope with a parent's cancer. And, thus, little evidence-based knowledge for how to deliver services. Moreover, most research has been with majority White populations. To fill this gap, we examined whether the cultural values of familismo (familism) and espíritu (spirit) moderate the association between stress appraisals and coping with psychological distress among Latino/AYAs facing a parent's cancer.Design: Cross-sectional, observational.Sample: Thirty eight adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 25 whose mother had breast cancer.Methods: Participants completed standardized measures. Generalized estimating equation analysis was used to analyze the nested data.Results: There was a protective pattern of familismo and espíritu against symptoms of depression. AYAs experienced psychological distress, but those with higher levels of familismo and espíritu fared better than those with lower levels, regardless of the coping strategies they used.Implications: Psychosocial interventions for Latino/a AYAs coping with parental cancer should incorporate or strengthen these values.

"Un abrazo a la distancia": An Exploration of Spanish-Speaking Women's Experiences with Pregnancy and Social Isolation in an Urban U.S. Setting.

Introduction: Research on Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic women's experiences during pregnancy is limited. Methods: We recruited women from urban, walk-in pregnancy testing clinics from June 2014 to June 2015. Women aged 16-44 years, at less than 24 weeks gestational age, who spoke either English or Spanish were eligible and completed an enrollment questionnaire and individual interview according to language preference. During qualitative interviews, we explored pregnancy intentions, initial reactions to a new pregnancy, and feelings about the impact of this pregnancy on relationships and daily life. Qualitative narrative content analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti software. Results: Among interviews with 31 Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic pregnant women, participants' average age was 28 years old with a mean gestational age of 7 weeks. We identified social isolation as the most common theme, characterized by four interwoven and overlapping subthemes: (1) sola-the experience of feeling alone; (2) familismo cercano-the importance of close relationships; (3) familismo lejano-overcoming long distance relationships; and (4) mi patria-preserving homeland cultural connectedness. Conclusions: Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic pregnant women described experiencing multiple aspects of social isolation. Language preference may suggest risk of social isolation, necessitating provider awareness and support initiatives to improve social support and lessen social isolation among newly pregnant, Spanish-speaking Latina women.

What Happens After School? Linking Latino Adolescents' Activities and Exposure to Community Violence.

Although community violence and the deleterious behavioral and psychological consequences that are associated with exposure to community violence persist as serious public health concerns, identifying malleable factors that increase or decrease adolescents' risk of exposure to community violence remains a significant gap in our knowledge base. This longitudinal study addresses this research gap by investigating adolescents' endorsement of familismo values and participation in three types of after-school activities, specifically home-, school-, and community-based activities, as potential precursors to adolescents' risk for experiencing community violence. The sample consists of 416 Latino high school students (53% female) with a mean age of 15.5 years (SD = 1.0) and with 85% qualifying for free and reduced school lunch. Cross-sectional results demonstrated that adolescents' endorsement of the Latino cultural value of familismo was associated with lower rates of personal victimization. The frequency of non-structured community-based activities and part-time work were concurrently associated with higher rates of witnessing community violence and being personally victimized by violence. Only the frequency of non-structured community-based activities was related to witnessing more community violence and greater victimization one year later while controlling for prior exposure to violence. These findings underscore the importance of providing structured, well supervised after-school activities for low-income youth in high-risk neighborhoods.

Regime de cuidados no Brasil: uma análise à luz de três tipologias / Care regime in Brazil: an analysis in the light of three typologies / Régimen de cuidados en Brasil: un análisis a la luz de tres tipologías

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar as linhas gerais que caracterizam o regime de cuidados brasileiro. A pesquisa apresenta as tipologias de regimes de cuidados propostas por Esping-Andersen (1999), Leitner (2003) e Saraceno e Keck (2010). A partir do levantamento das políticas de família no Brasil, o artigo enquadra o país nesse referencial. A metodologia utilizada é a análise descritiva de dados. Utilizam-se as projeções populacionais do quantitativo de crianças e idosos do IBGE, a Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD), o Censo Escolar e o Censo SUAS (Sistema Único de Assistência Social). Pelas três tipologias analisadas, o Brasil se apresenta como um regime de cuidados que se apoia preferencialmente nas famílias, caracterizando, portanto, um "familismo implícito" ou "familismo por negligência".

This article discusses and categorizes the Brazilian care regime. It presents the care-regimes typologies proposed by Esping-Andersen (1999), Leitner (2003), and Saraceno and Keck (2010) for developed countries. Based on the compilation of family policies within the country, our goal is to place Brazil within this typological framework. The methodology used is descriptive data analysis. We use data from IBGE population projections, for children and elderly counts, the PNAD and the National School Census, and the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS) Census. In all three typologies, Brazil stands as a care regime which leans mainly on families, with a non-robust and non-widespread care policy, thus featuring an "implicit familism" or "familism by default".

El propósito de este artículo es identificar las líneas generales que caracterizan el régimen brasileño de cuidados. La investigación presenta los tipos de regímenes de cuidado propuestos por Esping-Andersen (1999), Leitner (2003) y Saraceno y Keck (2010). A partir del relevamiento de la encuesta de políticas familiares en Brasil, el artículo enmarca al país en este contexto. La metodología utilizada es el análisis descriptivo de datos. Se usan a para ello las proyecciones poblacionales del número de niños y ancianos del IBGE, la PNAD y el Censo Escolar, y el Censo SUAS. Para las tres tipologías analizadas, Brasil se presenta como un régimen de cuidados que se apoya preferentemente en las familias y se caracteriza por tanto como familismo implícito o familismo por negligencia.

Familismo, Lesbophobia, and Religious Beliefs in the Life Course Narratives of Chilean Lesbian Mothers.

This study aimed to explore the life course identity projects of Chilean lesbian mothers who conceived their children within the context of a previous heterosexual relationship. By exploring the case of Chile, this study examined the family lives of lesbian mothers within the context of a Latino heteronormative society with a Christian (mainly Catholic) heritage. Individual interviews were conducted with eight participants aged between 27 and 40 years old (mean age of 33 years) who were recruited through snowballing and social media. A Structural Narrative Analysis of participants' stories was conducted within a Life Course Perspective theoretical framework. The study found that participants initially followed a heterosexual path to conform to their family of origin and social expectations. After building their own heterosexual family projects and having their children with a man, most participants felt pressured to continue within a heterosexual path and postponed their transition to a lesbian identity trajectory despite a growing feeling that a lesbian identity would be personally fullfilling. Although participants felt proud of their identities, they struggled to express their same-gender feelings because lesbians were often seen as inappropriate models for children within Chilean society. Crucially, lesbian mothers continued to be able to count upon support for their parenting from their own mother despite intense disapproval from their family of origin and often continued opposition from ex-husbands/partners. The findings of this study revealed the strong impact of familismo, lesbophobia and Christian religious beliefs on the life course experiences of Chilean lesbian mothers. Implications for therapy and counselling with lesbian mothers living in Latino countries are reviewed.

A qualitative analysis of the social and cultural contexts that shape screen time use in Latino families living on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand how first generation Latino parents, whose primary language is Spanish and live in a colonia on the U.S.-Mexico border, use screen time in their homes.Methods: A purposeful sampling approach was used to recruit eligible parents of pre-adolescents (ages 9-14) who were native Spanish speakers, and living on the U.S.-Mexico border. Three focus groups in Spanish (two with mothers and one with fathers) were conducted. Data were codified using a general inductive approach based on grounded theory. A consensus process was repeated until a final codebook was developed.Results: Screen time allowed parents to foster familismo (family cohesiveness and bonding) and respeto (respect). Parents knew that a healthy balance of media use is important, but broader social contexts (marital discord and economics) challenged the enforcement of familial screen time rules and parents were often permissive.Conclusions: Our study addressed research gaps by examining the understudied social and cultural contexts (practices, routines, rules, and beliefs) that shape children's screen time use among a sample of Latino immigrants living on the U.S.-Mexico border. This sample of parents indicated that familismo and respeto (i.e., cohesiveness and bonding) influence familial decision-making including screen time.

Reactions from family of origin to the disclosure of lesbian motherhood via donor insemination.

Most studies of planned lesbian motherhood via donor insemination (DI) have sampled lesbian mothers in individualistic societies where adults have relatively distant connection to their family of origin. Our study examined the experiences of biological and non-biological lesbian mothers in five families who had children through DI after disclosing their motherhood status to their family networks in Portugal, a familistic society. The first theme identified by thematic analysis-"But why do you want to have a child?"-encapsulated the reactions of biological mothers' family of origin to the announcement of motherhood. Disclosure was mostly met by a shocked response in the family, rooted in the belief that lesbian women should not have children. The second theme-"But you weren't pregnant, how is this your child?"-summarized the reactions of non-biological mothers' family of origin to the disclosure of motherhood status as they considered refusing to recognize their grandchild in the absence of biological connection. Prejudice against lesbian-mother family formation was associated with the specific intersection of lesbianism and motherhood, but relationships between the mothers and their families were largely repaired because of familistic values.

The Association of Cultural and Structural Factors with Perceived Medical Mistrust Among Young Adult Latinos in Rural Oregon.

Although previous studies have examined the impact of medical mistrust on the health and health care seeking behaviors of diverse populations, including Latinos, limited research has explored cultural and structural factors that contribute to medical mistrust. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between cultural and structural factors and perceived medical mistrust among a sample of young adult Latinos living in rural Oregon. We conducted in-person interviews with 499 young adult Latinos (ages 18-25). Medical mistrust was assessed using a modified version of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale, which has been used with Latino populations. We included three cultural (acculturation, machismo, and familismo) and one structural (perceived everyday discrimination) variables, all measured using previously validated scales. Socio-demographic variables (eg, age, gender, income, educational level, employment) were also included in multivariable linear regression models. We found that everyday discrimination and traditional machismo values were associated with medical mistrust, the latter primarily among Latino women. It is possible that Latinos living in relatively new minority/immigrant settlement areas (such as rural Oregon) may be more vulnerable to experiencing discrimination, which in turn, may erode trust in health care providers. On the other hand, a strong ethnic identity, including the endorsement of machismo values, may serve as a protective mechanism for Latinos confronted by racial/ethnic discrimination. Culturally responsive, socio-cultural, and societal interventions are warranted to tackle the pervasive and ripple effects that racial/ethnic discrimination has on the health of Latinos and other minority populations.

O direito da pessoa idosa ao acompanhante, refletido na compreensão de profissionais da Saúde: uma contribuição ao debate / The elderly person's right to a companion, reflected in the understanding of health professionals: a contribution to the debate / El derecho de las personas mayores a un compañero, reflejado en la comprensión de los profesionales de la salud: una contribución al debate

Identificar a compreensão dos profissionais de saúde, no Brasil, sobre o direito de acompanhante, garantido ao idoso internado em instituições hospitalares, é o principal objetivo deste escrito. A metodologia consiste em uma pesquisa explicativa, com abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se a revisão integrativa de estudos publicados na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Como resultado principal, observamos que são delegadas aos acompanhantes as mesmas atribuições do cuidador, o que contribui para a designação máxima da responsabilidade do cuidado à família.

Identifying the understanding of health professionals in Brazil about the right to accompanying elderly people hospitalized in hospital institutions is the main objective of this paper. The methodology consists of an explanatory research, with a qualitative approach, using the integrative review of studies published in the Virtual Health Library. As a main result, it was observed that the same responsibilities of the caregiver are delegated to the companion, which contributes to the maximum designation of responsibility for caring for the family.

Identificar la comprensión de los profesionales de la salud, en Brasil, sobre el derecho de un compañero, garantizado a los ancianos hospitalizados en los hospitales, es el objetivo principal de este documento. La metodología consiste en una investigación explicativa, con un enfoque cualitativo, utilizando la revisión integradora de los estudios publicados en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud. Como resultado principal, observamos que las mismas funciones del cuidador se delegan a los compañeros, lo que contribuye a la designación máxima responsabilidad del cuidado familiar.

Culture and Family Process: Measures of Familism for Filipino and Korean American Parents.

This study tests the psychometric properties of multiple survey items and scales that are either underused or newly developed to assess familism among Asian Americans. Using data collected from 150 Filipino and 188 Korean American parents (mostly mothers) in the Midwest region in 2013, the measures were examined for validity and reliability for each group and, when appropriate, for cross-cultural equivalence across the groups. Several scales and their items showed high quality psychometric properties and are ready for use to more accurately assess family process of each target group and to conduct comparative analyses. The findings also show that, contrary to the expectation, Filipino American families express more traditional aspects of familism than do Korean American families, and are more likely to reinforce traditional familism beliefs and behaviors among their children. This study reinforces a need for more empirical- and subgroup-specific research effort.

O circuito familista na política de assistência social / Familist circuit on social assistance policy

Analisa-se a configuração contemporânea da Política de Assistência Social ao investigar como o Estado e as famílias compartilham responsabilidades de provisão das necessidades básicas dos indivíduos e de combate às privações, vulnerabilidades e riscos sociais. Por meio do método genealógico, faz-se uma análise documental das leis, decretos e demais regulamentos da Política de Assistência Social para elaborar subsídios para a discussão. Argumenta-se que a assistência alçou à condição de Política de Seguridade Social a partir de 1988, por meio da estruturação de um circuito familista complexo, cujas responsabilidades de combater as privações, vulnerabilidades e riscos sociais dos cidadãos estão compartilhadas entre Estado e famílias, ou, ainda, são transferidas legalmente às famílias ou assumidas integralmente por elas quando há omissão do Estado.

It analyzes the contemporary configuration of social assistance policy to investigate how the state and the families share responsibility provision to basic needs of individuals and to combat deprivation and social risks. Through genealogical method, a documentary analysis of the laws was made, decrees and other regulations of social assistance policy to develop subsidies for discussion. It argues that assistance lifted to the status of social security policy from 1988 through the structuring of a familist circuit complex, whose responsibilities to combat deprivation, vulnerability and social risks of the citizens are shared between the state and families, or are still transferred legally to families or fully assumed by them when there is state failure.

Dental problems and Familismo: social network discussion of oral health issues among adults of Mexican origin living in the Midwest United States.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of collectivist orientation (often called familismo when applied to the Latino sub-group in the United States) in oral health discussion networks. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Through respondent-driven sampling and face-to-face interviews, we identified respondents' (egos) personal social network members (alters). Egos stated whom they talked with about oral health, and how often they discussed dental problems in the preceding 12 months. PARTICIPANTS: An urban community of adult Mexican-American immigrants in the Midwest United States. We interviewed 332 egos (90% born in Mexico); egos named an average of 3.9 alters in their networks, 1,299 in total. METHOD: We applied egocentric network methods to examine the ego, alter, and network variables that characterize health discussion networks. RESULTS: Kin were most often leveraged when dental problems arose; egos relied on individuals whom they perceive to have better knowledge about dental matters. However, reliance on knowledgeable alters decreased among egos with greater behavioral acculturation. CONCLUSIONS: This paper developed a network-based conceptualization of familismo. We describe the structure of oral health networks, including kin, fictive kin, peers, and health professionals, and examine how networks and acculturation help shape oral health among these Mexican-Americans.

The Role of Familismo and Acculturation as Moderators of the Association Between Family Conflict and Substance Abuse on Latino Adult Males.

The significant research gap on Latino adults who completed substance abuse treatment (SAT) impacts the provision of substance use prevention and treatment for this population. Given the need for culturally-appropriate SAT for Latinos, research that examines the role of cultural constructs and acculturation in relation to substance use behavior is warranted. The purpose of the present study is to test, based on the social control theory, a multiple moderation model using the PROCESS macro1 to examine the moderating effect of Familismo on the association between history of family conflict and years of substance abuse on Latino males who completed SAT at different levels of acculturation (i.e., cultural orientation). Generational status (i.e., immigrant, U. S. born) and age are used as covariates. A total of 117 Latino male participants (Mage= 37, 54% non-U.S. born with a mean length of stay of 19 years in the U.S.) who completed SAT from facilities located in the metropolitan area of Chicago completed self-report measures. Results from the multiple moderation analysis showa significant three-way interaction (family conflict × Familismo × acculturation), indicating that participants with Latino and bicultural orientation who endorse average to high levels of Familismo have fewer years of substance abuse compared to those with U.S. mainstream culture orientation and low Familismo. Findings illustrate the need for SAT that assesses for family conflict and integrates cultural aspects to reduce substance use behavior on Latino males.

Alcohol Use among Mexican Youths: Is Familismo Protective for Moderate Drinking?

The construct of familismo has been identified as a potential protective cultural value in Hispanic cultures. This paper considers familismo and alcohol use among young people in Mexico. We conducted a qualitative study using ethnographic open ended interviews with 117 first year students at a large free public university in Mexico City between April-May 2011. The findings indicate that dimensions of familismo can act as protective factors against misuse of alcohol among Mexican youths and may be protective for moderate drinking. Future research should explore the relationship of familismo to gender roles and other cultural values during adolescence. Given the enduring influence of Mexican cultural values among Mexican Americans the research has implications for prevention programs for both Mexican and Mexican American youths.

Longitudinal associations among parental acceptance, familism values, and sibling intimacy in Mexican-origin families.

Prospective associations among parent-adolescent acceptance and familism values in early and middle adolescence and sibling intimacy in late adolescence and young adulthood were assessed in 246 Mexican-origin families. Older sibling gender and sibling gender constellation were investigated as moderators of these associations. Sibling intimacy was stable over time and younger siblings with older sisters reported higher levels of sibling intimacy than those with older brothers. As predicted, stronger familism values were associated with greater sibling intimacy, but this link was evident only for older sisters and for girl-girl dyads. The links from mother- and father-acceptance to sibling intimacy also depended on the gender constellation of the sibling dyad: Higher levels of maternal warmth were associated with greater sibling intimacy for older sisters and girl-girl sibling pairs but higher levels of paternal warmth were linked to greater sibling intimacy only for older siblings in mixed-gender sibling dyads. Findings are consistent with prior research on the role of gender in family relationships but extend this work to encompass the effects of both parents' and siblings' gender, as well as the role of sociocultural values in parents' socialization influences.

Maternal Familismo and early childhood functioning in Mexican and Dominican immigrant families.

A large theoretical and empirical literature documents the central role of familismo (i.e., a strong emphasis on family) in the functioning of Latino youth. Few studies, however, have examined its association with early childhood functioning. The present study explored the potential risk and protective effects of maternal familismo on the adaptive and mental health functioning of 4 - 5 year old Latino children. A sample of 205 Mexican and 147 Dominican immigrant families was recruited from New York City. Mothers reported on their level of familismo, and acculturative status. Mothers and teachers rated child adaptive behavior and internalizing and externalizing problems. Findings suggest that maternal familismo is not uniformly associated with positive or negative early developmental outcomes but that its effects are moderated by child gender, family poverty and cultural (e.g., maternal ethnic and US American identity) characteristics. In addition, different mechanisms were identified for each ethnic group. Familismo was associated both positively (for boys) and negatively (for poor children) with adaptive behavior in the Mexican American sample. In the Dominican American sample, familismo showed a wide range of positive, albeit moderated, effects. Prevention efforts that help parents critically evaluate the impact of familismo on family processes, and preserve those manifestations of familismo that are protective, may best promote Latino child well-being.

"Because you're on birth control, it automatically makes you promiscuous or something": Latina women's perceptions of parental approval to use reproductive health care.

PURPOSE: To explore the perceptions of Latina women and healthcare providers about the role of parents in the young women's access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services. METHODS: This qualitative study drew on 11 focus groups conducted with 95 young adult Latina women (ages 18-24 years) and 3 focus groups with 24 health providers recruited from clinics and programs with large Latino client-bases. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach. RESULTS: Young adult Latinas and providers emphasized that parents play an important role in young adults' access to sexual and reproductive health services. Some young women perceived parental support to access these services while others did not. The primary reason young adult Latinas and providers felt parents did not provide support was due to parental transmission of cultural values and beliefs, specifically: (1) a high value placed on virginity; (2) a presumption that unmarried women are not sexually active and therefore do not require sexual and reproductive health services; and (3) a belief that conversations about sex and reproductive health services encourage sexual activity and promiscuity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that young adult Latinas perceive parents as playing an important role in their sexual and reproductive health seeking behaviors into adulthood. Parents appear to influence their young adult daughters by transmitting the cultural values they have on virginity and familismo, which stresses the importance of family, familial solidarity, and adherence to traditional gender roles within the family structure.